Buncombe County Schools is celebrating a unique collaboration between two standout programs: the Teacher Cadet Program and the Dual Language Program.
Christian Ramirez, a student at Erwin High School and a fluent Spanish speaker, recently visited Ms. Oramas’ class at West Buncombe Elementary School to help third-grade students explore the solar system — entirely in Spanish. Ramirez is a participant in the Teacher Cadet Program, which is funded by the Buncombe County Schools Foundation and prepares high school students for future careers in education.
During his visit, Ramirez introduced the class to the vocabulary of the solar system through an interactive game, capturing the students’ attention and fostering an energetic learning environment. The dual language program at West Buncombe Elementary immerses students in Spanish instruction, with the goal of achieving fluency in both English and Spanish by fifth grade.
“It is amazing to see how intelligent the students are in learning and understanding a new language,” said Christian. “I am continually amazed by how they come in every day, excited to learn a new language through all subjects.”
Ms. Rikki Carpenter, Ramirez’s teacher and mentor in the Teacher Cadet Program, said she is inspired by the experiences her cadets gain in the classroom.
“I am honored to share in this journey with my cadets,” said Carpenter. “It is a great privilege and such a rewarding experience to see cadets return from field experience, feeling fulfilled and realizing the meaningful impact that they have on their students.”
This partnership demonstrates the value of combining innovative programs to enhance educational opportunities. The Teacher Cadet Program equips high school students like Ramirez with hands-on teaching experience, while the Dual Language Program empowers elementary students with bilingual skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
"My time at West Buncombe Elementary has been amazing," said Christian. "I connected with all the students, and this makes me even more excited for my future in education."
Buncombe County Schools is proud to support initiatives that promote cultural understanding and a passion for learning across all grade levels.