From student to teacher: Sky Vista’s math warm-up with an Aspiring Educator

Why is 6 afraid of 7? Sky Vista sixth graders can tell you thanks to their math warm-up with Mr. Dhurgham, a first-year apprentice in Cherry Creek Schools’ Aspiring Educator Program (AEP).

Just last year, Dhurgham Hashim graduated from Overland High School, where he participated in CCSD's Future Educator Pathway (FEP), a program that gives high school juniors and seniors paid, part-time paraeducator positions in Cherry Creek School District elementary and middle schools. Through the FEP, students also take up to 20 hours of college coursework in education at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC), getting an early start on their teaching careers.

Now, as an AEP apprentice, Hashim is back in the classroom—this time as a teacher. Finding small moments like the Joke of the Day show how building relationships keeps students engaged, curious, and excited to learn, while giving apprentices a real look at the joy and impact of teaching.

Both the Future Educator Pathway and the Aspiring Educator Program share one goal: to address the nationwide teacher shortage by strengthening teacher preparation, inspiring future educators and supporting them in building lasting careers within the community.