When my career in education started more than three decades ago, I needed help. I had transitioned into teaching following a false start with a degree in fashion merchandising. I was student-teaching while in college in Louisiana, where I was a full-time intern earning less than $15,000 per year. I was thrown into the deep end, and I had little to show for all my work.

Now, in my 31st year of teaching, I'm happy to report that teaching preparation has improved markedly. I see it every day as I mentor a college student at my elementary school in Magnolia.

I consider it progress that there is a mentorship program and students to mentor. As part of the LEARNS Act, all prospective teachers must spend time as a resident teacher while they're still in college, working intensively in the classr

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