The University of Olivet is about finding innovative ways to meet the career aspirations of its students. One unique program is the Teaching Pathway, which offers students interested in teaching an alternate route to teacher certification. The Teaching Pathway experience can be combined with any of Olivet’s majors. Students learn the fundamentals of best practices for teaching and learning for K-12 students and work directly with K-12 students in experiential teaching and learning activities. The experience culminates in a high-impact career-oriented internship experience.
Cameron Ramos ‘22, from Charlotte, Michigan, majored in exercise science while being a part of the program. Cameron chose The University of Olivet for its proximity to his home, its small close-knit campus and the opportunity to stay involved in athletics. He said, “In my particular circumstance, running through the teaching program at a large university would have taken me a couple more years of school along with the year of student teaching. It was a no-brainer for me.”
One of the perks of the Teaching Pathway program is that it works with students of all majors. Additionally, The University of Olivet students can join the program at any point. This was perfect for Cameron, who joined the program after his junior year. “Professor Suzanna Flood, director of the Teaching Pathway program, does a phenomenal job at adapting and helping those in the program regardless of class and time in the program. I would encourage students to take advantage of this path as it is the quickest way to get in the classroom and get paid,” said Cameron.
Cameron first discovered his interest in teaching when he coached middle school basketball for Potterville Public School his junior year of college. “After spending the year coaching and being around the school, I realized I wanted to pursue a similar career,” he said.
He also had the opportunity to substitute teach at Potterville and gained hands-on experience with students of all ages. Cameron feels that The University of Olivet’s Teaching Pathway has helped prepare him for what the future holds, and professors Nick Juday, KayDee Perry, Nancy Van Hoozier and Suzanna Flood have been instrumental during his time at The University of Olivet.
While Cameron is not sure exactly where he will go in life, he has high aspirations. He is considering a full-time career coaching basketball or teaching full-time with coaching on the side. “If I were to go the teaching route,” he said, “I want to start by teaching either middle school or high school. I plan to get my master’s degree during that time and hopefully work my way up into administration. Hopefully, all of this occurs while putting together a hall of fame coaching career. Lofty goals for sure.”
Since graduating in May as a Donald A. Morris Award – Top 10 Graduate, Cameron set off for the University of Tulsa. He is in his first year as a graduate manager with the basketball program.
Learn more about the Teaching Pathway program with The University of Olivet here, or contact the Office of Admission at 269-749-7635 or admissions@uolivet.edu for more information.
This feature was written by Savannah Baker, a senior studying English and business. The former editor of Olivet’s literary journal, Garfield Lake Review, Savannah now pursues her interest in writing and editing as a marketing intern with The University of Olivet.