Coming from a family of educators, Myles Grayson always pictured himself in front of a classroom. But life often brings challenges, which is why Grayson set aside those teaching dreams 16 years ago for a career in logistics.
The fact that he never lost that heartfelt calling to make a difference in the lives of others is what brought him to Capital University and the Capital City Teacher Residency program at age 43.
Created to help diversify the teaching workforce, the Capital City Teacher Residency program delivers a pipeline of qualified teachers and substitute teachers to the Columbus City Schools district, and provides critical mentorship and hands-on training to students exploring a career in education.
Grayson, who will graduate in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, was drawn to the program because it allows him to work in as a substitute teacher while finishing his degree.
“I began in 2007 as a Head Start teacher in Texas. I left because the pay wasn’t enough to meet day-to-day needs, but I never lost that desire in my heart to be in the classroom,” he said. “Capital has made this transition so easy. From the admission process to individual education professors and my classmates, they have worked with me to ensure I realize my dreams.”
In collaboration with Columbus State Community College and Columbus City Schools, CCTR is an asynchronous, online program not only for college students looking to become teachers but also for those looking to change careers and those who have a strong calling to return to school to earn their education degree or teacher licensure.
While at Capital, teacher candidates can hold a full- or part-time paid substitute teaching positions at Columbus City Schools while taking courses to fulfill graduation requirements.
“The Capital City Teacher Residency is unique in that it truly is a grow-your-own program,” said Nisreen Daoud, Ph.D., associate professor of Education, director and co-founder of the program. “We created something that will not only diversify the field and remove barriers to becoming teachers that so many face, but it’s also a program that will set future teachers up for success for working in districts in Ohio.”
The initial cohort of 18 students, who began in fall 2023, range in age from their 20s to their 50s, with many being employees of Columbus City Schools. The program is evolving, Daoud said, but its essence remains the same: to provide academic coursework alongside hands-on, field-based experience.
For Grayson, his Capital education is just beginning. He recently was accepted into the master’s program at Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
“I’m going to be able to do what I feel is my life’s purpose: teach and minister to youth,” he said. “Capital is making it possible for me to finally do what I was supposed to do my entire life.”