When I was a journalism and social studies teacher, friends and I used to talk about how great it would be if we could develop a Creative Arts Academy in the building. On a recent site visit to Centerline High School to see the Academy Model in action with members of the Innovative Leaders Network, I saw how making that dream come true might have been a possibility.
Guided by well-informed student ambassadors, we explored the building, meeting teachers who shared their experiences with the academy approach, checking out hallway displays featuring students and grads – eventually returning to the library where we met additional school leaders who answered questions about the program.
We’re going to need a bigger spotlight.
The main entrance to the school features a powerful welcome inviting guests. Throughout the halls, visitors can see Panther pride displayed for current students, recognizing the academies in which they’ve chosen to focus their studies and where they’ve earned certifications; graduates and the success they’ve found in their fields of study beyond the school doors; and partners who each commit to investing time with the school and providing opportunities for real world connections to all academy attendees.
Dr. Carey Crocker, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, kicked off our visit in the library, where we would later return to hear from administrators and teachers. She also walked along the tour with one of our groups, answering questions and sharing details about how the entire district, K-12, incorporates career pathway content through grade level-appropriate projects as they all focus on Centerl Line’s Portrait of a Graduate.
Guiding the tours, and impressively walking backward the entire way, student ambassadors sporting matching jackets shared details about what each grade level of students can expect for their high school experience. Approximately 650 teens attend CLHS, with around 100 of those being school of choice students. Kelsey Smith, sophomore, said she likes that you can try out different academy options as a freshman to see what students may like individually – and that you can change whenever you’d like.
“I wouldn’t have known that if I didn’t try [that class],” she said, “but I did try it, and I realized it wasn’t for me. But it can still be for somebody else.”
Popping out to the hallway with a paperback copy of “The Great Gatsby” under her arm, English teacher Mrs. Yeakel shared that the staff has seen an interesting shift over the years talking to graduates and learning how their post-graduate decisions were influenced through taking part in the academy model.
Science teacher Mr. Lawroski, who sponsors a duck club in which students care for a wild mallard habitat, said the opportunities that would be available to him as an educator in an academy model school helped draw him to the position. But not every applicant is ready to take on the challenges that being an educator at CLHS may pose.
“We’re just like any other district,” Principal John Kelley said, “it’s hard to recruit teachers.”
Though Kelley said there are many supports they offer to teachers who join the team. He had high praise for the school and the staff.
“This is a little Macomb County gem,” he said. “Staff could go anywhere, but they choose to be here.”
This CTE month, I’m happy to shine a light not just on Principal Kelley, but on the district of Center Line, its leaders, its educators and its students.
