Pasco School District is holding a Teacher Signing Event on May 15 to honor graduating high school seniors who’ve expressed their intent to pursue teaching careers.

The event – at 5:30 p.m. May 15 at Stevens Middle School, 1120 N. 22nd Ave. – is meant to be reminiscent of signing events for athletes committing to colleges, the district said.

A total of 113 students from Delta, New Horizons, Chiawana and Pasco high schools are set to be honored. They were identified through their counselors or because they participated in the district’s Teaching Academy program.

The yearlong program aims to attract students to the education field, particularly those who are bilingual. It provides hands-on experience at an elementary school, plus the chance to earn college credit, the district said in a statement.

“The Teaching Academy Program provides opportunities for students to learn about education careers. Through the practicum experience, students can experience a day in the life of a teacher and ensure that teaching is the right career fit. One of the primary goals of the program is to grow our own future teachers, providing career development and a strong foundation for students to be successful in completing a teacher preparation program,” said Laura Jones, Career and Technical Education director, in the statement.

She added that, “growing our own teachers in Pasco is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses teacher shortages by nurturing and supporting aspiring educators within our community. Additionally, it allows us to identify and support individuals from diverse backgrounds who can better understand the unique needs and perspectives of our students, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.”