Going back to school
WILMORE, KY—Five Asbury College seniors have completed their coursework and a few have participated in graduation exercises, but all are back in the classroom to complete their student teaching requirements. These student teachers are learning what it takes to be a teacher and why they love it.
Jim Leonard, from Wilmore, is a middle school science and social studies student teacher at Woodford County Middle School. He never really wanted to be a public school teacher, but after talking with Dr. Verna Lowe, professor of education at the College, he changed his mind. Leonard said, “My sense of calling shifted when Dr. Lowe said, ‘Our public schools are the biggest mission field we have.’”
Annie Buckles, of Rochester, Pa., didn’t know she would end up in a public school classroom, as well, when she came to Asbury College. The secondary education social studies major is now a student teacher at Mercer County High School. “When I came here, I had no perspective,” she said. “I picked education on a whim. I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. Through the program and the College, I found out who I am and what I was created to do.”
Through the student teaching experience, Asbury College students learn teaching techniques, classroom management and that the seemingly impossible might actually be possible. Amanda Bailey, a music education major from Columbus, Ind., teaches at King Middle School and Mercer County High School. She learned that, “having 54 students in a class with 12 percussionists is manageable and possible to do. They CAN learn.”
For others, the student teaching experience is a reminder that they have chosen the right career path. “Being a teacher is more of a ministry and a calling than just my profession,” said Jennie Bakewell, a secondary mathematics major from Largo, Fla. “Everyday is an affirmation that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to and I’m good at it.” Bakewell is completing her student teaching at Woodford County High School.
Christen Bouchard, of Dayton, Ohio, wanted to give back for all that she’s been given. The French major teaches at Tates Creek Middle School and Henry Clay High School. As a student, she had many passionate teachers who helped instill in her a joy of learning. She wants to do the same for her students.
Bouchard said, “I love helping kids succeed in school, whether the gifted kids, who need to be challenged or the kids that get left behind—making them feel like they are successful too.”
All of these students agree that Asbury College’s education program helped them get where they are today.
“One of the best things is that [the education department] is so up-to-date and current with what a first year teacher will have to go through,” Bailey said. “They are always on top of everything, even if it means changing the week before school. I understand everything they are talking about in staff meetings and even explain things to other teachers. It’s a great feeling.”
Bakewell said, “What I love about [the education program] is that it is not exclusive to that environment. You can apply everything—in ministry, in parenting. Anything I have learned, I can take elsewhere. It’s universally applicable. That is what’s great. I’ll be a better teacher, parent, missionary and community member—the list goes on.”
Released: Dec. 5, 2007
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Tagged: student-teaching, education and features
