May 13, 2026 - As the school year comes to a close, Hart Career Center is celebrating the first year of its Teaching Professions program, an investment designed to help grow the next generation of educators for local schools and the nine districts served by HCC.

Led by veteran educator Eva Eikel, the program was launched this year with a long-term goal in mind: strengthening the educator pipeline close to home by giving high school students an early opportunity to explore careers in education through college-level coursework and real classroom experience.

The class encompasses building an educator pipeline, investing in rural schools, and letting students see themselves in the profession before they leave home. 

Students spend time learning not only what teachers do, but why the work matters—and whether education is the right path for them. Serving juniors and seniors, the two-year program combines hands-on field experiences with coursework focused on teaching practices, human development, educational psychology, classroom management, multicultural education, and instructional technology. 

Eligible students may also earn dual credit, complete A+ tutoring hours, and work toward completing Substitute Teacher Training and earning their Substitute Certification.

As HCC reflects on its first year, two seniors helped lay the foundation for what the program can become.

“Addison David and Brandon Ballard are more than just students; they are the architects of the Hart Career Center’s Teaching Profession program,” shared Mrs. Eva Eikel. “As our first participants, they set a gold standard for every future educator who walks through our doors. Their passion, leadership, and natural talent in the classroom prove that the future of local districts are in exceptional hands.”

Created to support both local workforce needs and the future of public education across northeast Missouri, the Teaching Professions program represents Hart Career Center’s commitment to helping students discover meaningful careers while giving area schools the opportunity to grow future educators from within their own communities.