Education Academy and Future Teachers of America Club Gain Valuable Hands-on Experience in Pedagogy

Nearly 20 Baldwin High School Students Teach Financial Literacy

Nineteen students from Baldwin High School’s Education Academy and Future Teachers of America Club recently took charge as lead teachers for a day at Steele Elementary School with the mission to empower the younger graders with the knowledge of financial literacy.

The unique “Leaving2Learn” was part of the annual “High School Heroes” event sponsored by Junior Achievement of New York (JANY)—a nonprofit organization aiming to educate students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. The Baldwin Union Free School District has been collaborating with JANY for more than 20 years, and both elementary and secondary students value the learning experience.

This year, the ‘future educators’ conducted financial literacy lessons for Baldwin elementary school children three times. Prior to Steele, both the high school and middle school students taught at Lenox Elementary School earlier in the spring as well as Plaza in the fall.

In order to be effective educators, the aspiring teachers enrolled in a personal finance course and took the initiative to plan, organize, and deliver an entire day's curriculum for elementary students. The curriculum, designed by the high school students themselves with the guidance of Junior Achievement, covered age-appropriate topics like needs vs. wants, saving allowances, and understanding the value of money. They tackled the challenge head-on, facing hurdles with creative problem-solving and clear communication. Interactive activities and engaging presentations kept the elementary students enthusiastic.  

“Our high schoolers weren't just tutors; they were problem-solving superstars! Their patience and enthusiasm turned these sessions into an inspiring showcase of leadership,” said explained Ms. Samantha Billig, Family & Consumer Sciences teacher at Baldwin High School, who also serves as advisor for the Education Academy and Future Teachers of America Club. “They're not just role models; they're role models who make learning fun!” 

Ms. Christina Reilly, also a Family & Consumer Sciences teacher involved the Education Academy, was thoroughly impressed by the work of her students. ”It was captivating to watch my education students motivate younger siblings, community members, and friends as they took the role of teacher for the day. This experience has become a Baldwin tradition that they look forward to being a part of.” 

The teaching experience not only benefited the elementary students but also enhanced the leadership and communication skills of the high school students, preparing them for unforeseen situations and fostering effective teamwork.

"We had to adapt constantly," shared Samantha Cruz, one of the student teachers. "The little ones had so many questions, and sometimes our plans needed adjustments on the fly. But seeing their faces light up when they understood saving or budgeting—that made it all worthwhile."

"This was more than just teaching a subject," added Brendan Kaminski, who facilitated the project. "The students developed real-world skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom."

In addition to the hands-on learning experience, secondary students also have the opportunity to apply for college scholarships through Junior Achievement.