The Lynx Way

Clayton earns scholarship from leadership program

“This is something I really wanted to do. I gave it a true chance and taught lots of lessons and had so much fun doing so,” said Kendall Clayton, reflecting on her role as a teen yeacher. Clayton, who attends Brandon Valley High School, earned a $250 scholarship as a first-year participant in Teens As Teachers, a leadership program of the South Dakota Youth Foundation, Inc. Training and scholarships are made available by donors to the South Dakota Youth Foundation. Neither teens nor schools incur any cost.

Clayton attended training last fall in curriculum lessons, behavior management, teaching skills, and child development. Using the curriculum, Kendall stepped into the role of teacher and taught local elementary students Polished Stones, a lesson from CHARACTER COUNTS!

The South Dakota Youth Foundation, Inc. is the only program delivered entirely by older youth to younger youth. According to Carol Birgen, program leader, “Elementary students see teen teachers as role models and mentors. Teens speak the right language, making education more effective.”

This youth mentoring and teaching model is highly effective in teaching career skills. In addition, it provides high school students with real-world experience in classroom teaching, often fostering interest in education as a career.

Teens Teachers also cite growth in leadership skills, time management, and organization. Clayton said she learned patience, which she will use everywhere.

“I also learned how to be organized. This can help me be more productive in school,” she said.

The mission of the South Dakota Youth Foundation is to give every child an opportunity to learn about character skills and healthy life skills. Each curriculum, CHARACTER COUNTS! or Healthy YOUth has five to seven ready-made lessons for Teen Teachers to utilize. Teens often, as a great teacher does, adapt lessons for personal style.

To learn more, email info@sdyouthfoundation.org.