The Westgate High School program of Educators Rising is raising funds to attend the 2024 National Conference, and they need your help.

According to Jenny Gonsoulin, Educators Rising is a way to connect high school students with the teaching profession to not only spark an interest in education, but also to boost numbers in the face of a state-wide teacher shortage.

The program serves as a class that Westgate students can take to help them learn skills like public speaking and educational strategies while also getting hands-on experience in the classroom. The class spends several hours each week next door at Sugarland Elementary School acting as instructors to foster a love for education in each student.

Jamonty Narcisse said he was one of the first students in the class and is looking forward to taking part in the national conference.

“I was a guinea pig,” he joked. “I was part of the first batch in this class and I didn’t know anything about it. I’ve gained friendships and personal experiences. The conference is going to help me with character development. It’s a meeting where young minds who wish to educate people can meet up and collaborate.”

The program isn’t just for future educators, either, with several students using it as a way to learn about other career options and improve skills that can be used in other fields.

Cadence King has plans of being a lawyer, but said she has learned new skills in the class that will help her even if she doesn’t end up in education.

“I don’t want to be a teacher, I want to be a lawyer. This has helped me a lot with communication and public speaking,” she said. “The conference will help me to learn more from others as well.”

For senior Makalya Phromabouth, the class was something she grew to love. She said she hopes to continue to grow while at the conference.

“I never wanted to become a teacher, I had no interest in it. I met up with Mrs. G(onsoulin) in the hallway and I was having a very bad day, so she told me to come check it out and I eventually developed an interest in it,” she explained. “I want to leave with more confidence in what I want to do as a career. I’d also like to hear from current educators and find out what motivates them.”

While the students all have the motivation and academic performance needed to attend the conference, the financial resources aren’t there yet.

Gonsoulin said the group needs a total of $6,046 to pay for travel and lodging for the event. In addition to assisting with fundraisers like the Live Like Liam Golf Tournament, the class is also requesting donations, no matter the size, from the community.

Anyone interested in donating to the class can contact Jenny Gonsoulin at jengonsoulin@iberiaschools.org or call 337-519-0380. Since school offices will be closed soon, donations can be made with Venmo @Jennifer-Gonsoulin-1.