OUR STORIES

Duane Curry, Jr. felt a calling to become a teacher. In 2020, he discovered IndyTeach, Christel House Indianapolis’s transition-to-teaching program. As an IndyTeach apprentice, Duane gained hands-on classroom experience, ongoing professional development, and his Indiana teaching license. Since then, his career at Christel House has continued to grow. He began by teaching students in Grades 2 and 5, then advanced to Mentor and Lead Teacher roles. Six years after joining the school, he now serves as Assistant Principal at Christel House Academy West.

“From the time I started as principal at Christel House West, I consistently saw Mr. Curry build strong relationships with students, staff, and families,” said Eric Parquet, Principal at Academy West. “His leadership potential was evident from the beginning. Since stepping into the Assistant Principal role, Mr. Curry has hit the ground running and is doing a phenomenal job supporting our students, staff, and school community.”

Duane’s journey is just one example of the opportunities that IndyTeach has created for aspiring educators. Since its inception in 2017, the program has licensed 86 teachers to serve in elementary and secondary classrooms. Ninety percent have remained involved in schools, and 30 current IndyTeach apprentices and alumni are now teaching in Christel House schools. “Most importantly,” Duane explained, “I discovered an organization built on growth and opportunity. What I love most about Christel House is the wealth of opportunities—not just for staff, but especially for our students and families.”