The moment is powerful: A high school student steps into the classroom for the first time as a future educator.
In St. Vrain Valley Schools, the Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH) program gives high school learners a strong competitive advantage toward a teaching career. Participants begin their journey while still in high school, gaining real-world classroom experience, earning college credit, and supporting educators across the district.
With more than 3,000 students enrolled in summer learning this year, opportunities for aspiring teachers are making an impact across the community. P-TEACH students and graduates are taking their first steps toward a career by working directly with learners and educators. From serving as teacher assistants and paraprofessionals to leading classrooms as apprentices, they are building the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the profession.
P-TEACH is a nationally recognized program that introduces St. Vrain high school students and classified staff to careers in education. It blends rigorous academic coursework with meaningful field experiences in local classrooms. Participants can earn up to 49 college credits through the University of Colorado Denver while still in high school and take part in paid internships during the school year and summer. To meet high-demand needs, P-TEACH offers four career pathways: early childhood and elementary education, special education, culturally and linguistically diverse/bilingual education, and secondary STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). By combining academic preparation with hands-on learning, the program builds a strong foundation for the next generation of educators.
One of those future educators is Anna Longenecker, a recent Silver Creek High School graduate. This summer, she worked as a paraprofessional, helping teach students in a virtual reality (VR) learning environment. She entered the role with curiosity and a desire to grow.
“Teaching in VR involves a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving because we can’t always see everything the students are doing,” she said. “We have to think creatively about how to present information in a way that’s clear and accessible.”
As she supported learners, Anna quickly found joy in the work. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was excited to see what simulations the students would enjoy. It was cool to see their reactions and hear their thoughts.” She hopes to become a secondary teacher and sees her summer as a meaningful first step. “VR has been a great way to explore different areas of education. I’m excited to grow and keep learning how I can make a difference.”
For those continuing in classrooms after high school, the P-TEACH Apprentice Program offers paid, year-round teaching experience while participants work toward a bachelor’s degree in education. Apprentices serve in schools across the district and during summer programs like Project Launch, taking on greater responsibility as they progress toward licensure.
Manny Burgos Soto, a Skyline High School graduate and current college student, is one of those apprentices. After working as a tutor and co-teacher, Manny led his own classroom this summer during Project Launch.
“It’s been really cool to observe other classrooms and see how different teachers manage their space,” he said. “I’ve learned how important it is to keep students engaged and to build strong relationships so they enjoy learning from you.”
Manny is working toward becoming a licensed math teacher and is passionate about giving back to the community he grew up in. “I want to be a great teacher. I want to keep learning from others and use that to improve—not just for myself, but for the district and the community,” he said. “I see myself in the students I work with. And I hope they see themselves in me too.”
P-TEACH is helping create a pipeline of educators who are not only academically prepared, but also deeply connected to the communities they serve. Through coursework, hands-on practice, and authentic mentorship, participants are gaining the tools and mindset to make a lasting difference in education—from their first day in the classroom to a lifelong career.