Trojans Teaching Trojans to begin its second year of operation

The Trojans Teaching Trojans (TTT) program is starting its second year of operation this fall. The program is excited to expand and give more students a chance to gain experience within Troy City Schools.  

“Alabama is one of many states in the U.S. facing a serious teaching shortage,” said Cathy Keck, assistant chair of the Department of Teacher Education. “This program was initiated by Mayor Jason Reeves in an effort to combat the shortage in Troy.  

“The program focuses on recruiting teacher candidates from Troy University and retaining them as teachers in the city school system once they graduate.” 

Keck said the program began with only five students placed at Troy Elementary, then six more students were added in January of 2025.  

“Currently, there are 17 TTT students receiving scholarships,” Keck said. “Four of those 17 are from the initial cohort last August and are in paid internships, which means they are teaching in their own classroom while interning.” 

Gabriel Perez, a senior elementary education major from Enterprise, Alabama, is one of the returning students within the program.  

“It is amazing how much experience you are able to gain through embedded requirements in the program,” Perez said. “I believe the way the professors teach, the materials we receive, the mentorship that is provided, the experience we gain and the knowledge we obtain is something that is priceless.” 

Students who receive a Trojans Teaching Trojans scholarship are awarded $5,000 a semester for aiding in Troy City classrooms twice a week for 12 weeks.  

“Troy made it possible for me to go to school,” Perez said. “[The] Trojans Teaching Trojans scholarship made it possible for me to finish.”  

Isabella Brothers, a senior education major from Prattville, Alabama, encouraged prospective students to apply for the program.  

“The connections and memories made will last a lifetime,” Brothers said. “There is no such thing as too much experience in a field you love, and this is the perfect way to give back to the community who pours into us while also making a difference in people’s lives and learning so many new things.”  

Brothers said her favorite memory from working within the program was when a student gave her a note explaining how much she had impacted them.  

“This student explained their personal struggles with regulating emotions and not feeling seen but thanked me for helping them gain an understanding of how to regulate their emotions while also taking the time to make them feel seen,” Brothers said.  

“This student also thanked me for my patience and my smile that helped this student participate in class.  

“This is one of my favorite memories because it makes me see the fruit of living in my calling. Things like this make the hard days’ worth it and the good days that much sweeter.” 

Keck said the program is hoping to expand to Charles Henderson High School by next fall.  

“There is a need at every grade level,” Keck said.  

“Our society has to learn to value and appreciate teachers as the most instrumental and crucial element of the future of our society.   

“Education isn't glamorous, and teachers never receive enough appreciation. 

Personally, I am grateful for those serving in the trenches.  

I am grateful that they open their classrooms to the hundreds of education students we send out into classrooms for field experience. Our Department of Teacher Education is beyond proud to be a part of creating strong, passionate, empathetic and confident agents of change.”