Gaffney High teacher Donnie Littlejohn picks up an after-school snack before a department meeting Wednesday. Teacher cadets Kristin Matheny, Sara Dunn, Josh Irwin, Kyra Campfield, Stephanie Butler and Jonathan Crossley helped plan the reception for American Education Week. Kiri Sheehan received an unexpected surprise Monday evening when she arrived at Gaffney High School for a teacher cadet banquet.

Sheehan, a teacher at Gaffney Middle School, was among 31 teachers honored by high school teacher cadets for being an inspirational teacher in the students’ lives. Students presented their teacher with a gift and framed copy of letters they wrote for American Education Week.

“A lot of times you don’t realize what impact you have on a student until years later,” Sheehan said.

Teacher cadet is a year-long class in which high school students can learn about the teaching profession and the process of teaching before pursuing an education career.

“Teachers work very hard to prepare lessons. Teaching is a lot like being a parent,” Gaffney High teacher cadet Kyra Campfield said. “This class has helped me really appreciate my teachers for the work they put in to help students learn.”

South Carolina started the teacher cadet program in the late 1980s to address a statewide teacher shortage. Many states have followed suit by establishing their own teacher cadet programs.

Several state colleges offer scholarships just for teacher cadets who major in education.

For example, Limestone College offers a $500 scholarship and three hours credit to local high school seniors who complete the teacher cadet program.

Gaffney High teacher cadet Angel Blackwell said she plans to pursue a teaching career because of her experience in Sheehan’s math class several years ago.

“In our teacher cadet class, we like to honor our past teachers who have had a positive impact on our life,” Blackwell wrote Sheehan. “Because of you, I have found my career. I want to touch lives just like you have touched mine.”

These type of letters helped make the banquet an emotional evening for teachers and students.

Gaffney High teacher cadet Jonathan Crossley said he is considering a teaching career because of his good experiences with teachers in school.

“My teachers have been very positive role models. They have helped make me a more well-rounded person,” Crossley said.

The teacher banquet was one of several activities Gaffney High teacher cadets planned for the school’s American Education week. These included a reception for the school’s open house on Friday, preparing “Sunshine Folders” with inspirational messages for teacher cadets and delivering special gifts to faculty and staff.