At PPCHS, there is a common misconception that organizations that are both a club and class engage in similar activities. For example, the nationwide organization Urban Teacher Academy Program (UTAP), which has a class and a club, focuses on completely different activities within each respected place.
UTAP, as a whole, primarily focuses on various aspects of teaching and training students interested in the teaching career while also improving social skills and public speaking. The program participates in various workshops, including the FIU regional conference, alongside other schools. While at these workshops and conferences, the UTAP organization is able to not only make connections, but also improve collectively with feedback from others. Both the class and the club however, take field trips to PPCS elementary schools to assist teachers and support students.
The class provides an in-depth understanding of child development and effective teaching strategies and methods. “We [offer] internship[s], more hands-on experience, and more opportunities to work with kids. While developing ourselves as teachers,” Sophomore Class President, Kylie Acevedo, states.
Additionally, the class organizes events such as potlucks and bonding activities. For instance, some of the bonding activities that take place are games such as card games, yet in UTAP style. This is where a student receives a paper with another student’s name on it and they have to say two kind things about them, strengthening their bond as classmates. Within the class, time is also dedicated to presentations to practice teaching methods which helps to enhance students’ public speaking skills.
In contrast, the club is mainly for students who could not join the class but wish to learn more about teaching. Although they only meet after school, the UTAP club makes it a priority to host meetings at least once a month as well as host several events that helps accentuate the club.
“The UTAP club is an excellent program, where one can learn what it takes to be a professional educator while having fun hands-on experience. The club provides numerous events and opportunities for those who seek and embrace the field of children and education,” Sophomore Club President, Jocelyn Perez expresses.
Additionally, Sophomore Club Vice President, Gabby Ganen, exclaims wholeheartedly “The UTAP club is an amazing way to get insight on what you would experience in the actual class. Although it does not offer as much as the UTAP class, it still has many beneficial and memory making experiences.” UTAP is a constantly evolving program at PPCHS, and as the club and the class are two separate things, both of them have the same goal: teaching and understanding how the child brain thinks and develops.
