For the last four weeks, the Lakota West High School has been flooded by over 30 student teachers from Miami University ranging from a variety of degrees. Tasked with observing, applying, and occasionally teaching, the students use this experience to further enhance their future in teaching.
The student teachers were placed in a variety of classes such as Criminal Justice, AP Language and Composition, Journalism, AP Psychology, and Algebra 2. What is different about these student teachers from the regular student teachers students we are normally used to seeing is that they are only in the first half of their student teaching. The student teachers, who are usually in school observation, are in their last year of student teaching and are here for a whole semester. These individuals, however, are currently observing multiple schools for short periods of time.
The professors of the student teachers gave a variety of assignments and goals, the main one being just observation. Whether that’s the classroom setting, the teacher, the students, or even common areas. Laura Hale, who fell in love with literature after her 6th grade year, explains one of her assignments.
“A lot of what we learned so far is theory, so it’s like actually applying that to a classroom and seeing what it looks like being carried out.”
The main problem that any upcoming teacher is facing is the effects of COVID-19 on current students. During the pandemic, there was a point when school was not in session at all, and even when virtual classes started the learning curve was severely pushed back. Now, educators are dealing with students who are missing those fundamental blocks because of the virus. Hannah Stoll, whose education also had a course of change because of COVID-19, believes that with the right application methods, a teacher can overcome this hurdle.
“I think being able to form a connection with the students is the number one thing we can do to rectify this situation”
Some of these student teachers gave insight into what they observed specifically at Lakota West. Bryce Forren, a former East graduate and now graduate at Miami and is earning his Masters Degree in Teaching, expresses that he was a little nervous to see how teenagers nowadays act.
“I’ve been so pleasantly surprised at how largely everybody seems to be at least respectful…it’s a good group.”
Similarly, Elizabeth Zupp, who has been infatuated with teaching English since she was a kid, expressed the same sentiments about Lakota West students.
“It’s very diverse. I think it would be a dream to be able to get a job at a district like this…the kids really respect the staff and the students really want to learn.”
Lakota West prides itself on the amount of diversity and inclusivity that is shown within its walls. It is especially nice to see that outside groups also see that as well. These student teachers are moving on from our school in hopes of being in their own classrooms. Lakota West wishes them luck with their future in teaching.
