CHARLESTON, SC (WCIV) — Saint John’s High School offers creative opportunities to prepare students for fulfilling careers, even without a college degree.
It is a non-traditional course that gets good grades.
“I put all this through the washing machine after our last class and everything else,” said Nate Murdaugh as he sorted and organized firefighter gear in a classroom at Saint John’s High School. “It’s a turnout coat, turnout pants, fire boots,” he explained, standing at a large table covered in firefighter gear.
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This isn’t a home economics class. Murtaugh is taking inventory of equipment and other gadgets as he begins a new semester as a firefighter instructor at Johns Island High School.
“If you can reach out to local kids who may or may not want to go to school. They may not want to go to college,” he said. “Understanding that there are jobs that can make a good living. Helping people. Enjoying every day and living a fulfilling life, I think that’s important.”
The retired firefighter began teaching these accredited courses four years ago. Now the course is being expanded to an advanced level for seniors. It allows them to become certified firefighters, which can get them a job after graduation. And it provides motivation.
“I think some of them have seen their grade point average improve. They’ve gone from being bored or something in the class to ‘Hey, I’m enjoying the class.’ And they’re investing time. They’re learning,” he said.
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The lessons also include learning how to operate a fire truck. A used vehicle is located in front of the classroom. It was donated by the Charleston Fire Department in February.
School administrators say it is very helpful to have these tools on hand. They notice a difference in students’ academic attitudes.
“I love it because I see the kids actually learning something. How excited they are about it. And because they get the chance to earn a certificate,” says Jermaine Joyner, principal of Saint John’s High School.
It is a non-traditional curriculum for a new generation of first responders.
“It’s just a career that’s incredibly rewarding,” Murtaugh said.
He stresses that his classes are not A-level. Murtaugh believes students need English, math and science to understand the basics of firefighting.
