Cadet teaching helps students decide

South Putnam High School senior Nicole Judy says she was apprehensive about becoming part of the Cadet Teaching Program at the Area 30 Career Center.

However, after one year of being in the program, Judy realized teaching was what she wanted to do with her life.

Judy, along with North Putnam High School junior Cheryl Mitchell, approached the Area 30 board of directors Tuesday, offering the five members in attendance a presentation on the cadet teaching program.

Judy said she wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life following high school, but after taking advantage of the program, she was certain she wanted to teach.

"I like teaching a lot," Judy said.

The program has grown quite a bit in its three-year existence. Program instructor Amber Pittman told the board Tuesday she had eight students last year, but has 18 this year.

She said the students meet at Area 30 on Mondays, but then interact with students at various schools across the county the remainder of the week.

The program is offered to only juniors and seniors.

Mitchell told the board members Tuesday she always had an interest in teaching.

"I've learned a lot being in the classroom and I really enjoy it," Mitchell said. "I'm looking forward to next year to do this again."

Mitchell said she wants to teach in the North Putnam Community School Corp. following graduation from college.

Judy also said she will be attending Indiana State University in the fall to study elementary education.

"It's very, very worthwhile," Area 30 Director Michael Walton said. "We're really proud of the program."

Meanwhile, the board learned that Area 30 has made plans to conduct Adult Education Programs at the facility.

Area 30 Assistant Director Lora Wood informed the board that the career center had recently received phone calls regarding certified nursing assistant classes it used to offer.

Wood said the facility used to offer the non-credit programs and hoped to get them reinstalled.

She said the facility would conduct non-credit classes beginning Feb. 5. Classes offered include certified nursing assistant courses, introduction to culinary arts and beginning computer skills.

Wood said the CNA classes would begin Feb. 5 and conclude March 8. They would take place on Mondays and Thursdays and cost $200.

The culinary arts classes would cost $60 and would be on April 5, 12 and 19, while the computer skills classes would also cost $60 and be on six Tuesdays and Thursdays during the first three weeks of March.

"We had great success (in the past) with non-credit adult classes," Wood said.

She added brochures for the programs would be available at various county locations in the future.

Board member and Greencastle Community School Corp. Supt. Robert Green was not able to attend Tuesday's meeting.

In other business, the board:

* Listened to a presentation from Putnam County United Way President Amy Doan.

Doan said the organization has recently looked into different ways to get people more involved in United Way, specifically teachers within the area schools.

She prepared a packet for the five board members in attendance, including a letter from United Way Executive Director Catherine Ensley, a brochure and a membership card.

"We're continuing to grow the campaign," Doan said. "We hope to have your support."

* Unanimously approved a measure to add Hotel Academy courses to its inventory.

* Approved the resignation of Brittany Deny, Child Care Intern.

* Approved January financial reports in the amount of $110,190.38.

The board meets regularly on the second Tuesday of each month. Its next meeting is set for 10:30 a.m., Feb. 13.