January 29, 2024
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
Eagleville teacher and coach Joseph Reed wants students to leave his classes with multiple Microsoft certifications under their belts.
"Obtaining a Microsoft certification is not just about acquiring a credential,” Reed said. “It's about opening doors to endless possibilities and empowering yourself to achieve your goals for the future."
In his computer science courses, students can become certified in programs such as Excel, Powerpoint and Word.
“I really love how the classes are going to help me in my future,” Eagleville sophomore Marissa Tatum said. “I am currently on the business pathway and I really enjoy it.”
Tatum said the Microsoft certifications have helped her as she has started her own business.
“Knowing my way around all the different Microsoft platforms has been really helpful for me,” Tatum said. “I’m very familiar with all the different Microsoft applications thanks to Coach Reed.”
Graham Simpson is also a sophomore at Eagleville.
Simpson recently placed fifth in the state in his Microsoft Excel certification test.
“Working around computers really comes natural to me,” Simpson said. “These classes really interested me because I am very interested in growing my knowledge of computers.”
Simpson said it become a goal for him to say that he has all the different Microsoft suite certifications.
Sophomore Kade Wilson gave praise to Coach Reed for his expertise in Microsoft.
“Coach Reed has really helped me learn the Microsoft suite,” Wilson said. “I love the classes. These certifications will open up some future job opportunities.”
Wilson is also on the business pathway for his high school career.
“It has helped me overall as a student,” Wilson said. “The classes have helped me know how to complete any other school projects that use the Microsoft applications.”