Field Experience
Kindergarten: Bellefontaine Elementary, one semester
I began my field experience with observation and individual instruction. I learned a variety of in-the-field problem solving tactics that I will apply in my own classroom. This was a great first experience with students in the classroom.
First Grade: Triad Elementary, one semester
This second experience required more hours per week which gave me an opportunity to make connections with students, build relationships with faculty, and deepen my commitment to educating.
Second Grade: Urbana South Elementary, one semester
This final field experience before student teaching was a fantastic opportunity for me to discover the nuances and everyday life of teaching public school. I spent 15 hours a week with the second grade students. I taught a variety of lessons, learned classroom management skills, all while deepening my understanding of CCSS through the associated methods courses at UU.
Student Teaching
I am currently student teaching at North Union Elementary. I am learning from the kindergartners everyday. The rigors of lesson planning and teaching have made me even more certain that this is the career for me. Balancing UU class work with planning and teaching has made me confident of my time management abilities as well as my understanding of pedagogy and practice.
Work Study
While studying at Urbana University I worked in the Office of International Studies in a variety of roles. My experiences there included leading several projects involving students and other faculty from a variety of countries.My work study experience provided opportunities to make friends and broaden my global perception. I also researched the benefits of drama-based instruction during the grant writing project found here