End of Semester Thoughts...

Fall 2011 Student Teachers



Samantha Schouweiler - Northwestern College

Student taught at Boone Elementary

My choice to do my student teaching in Chicago was done sort of at the last minute. Up until then, I really wasn't sure if I even wanted to teach. Between prompting from professors and my family I decided to apply. I honestly have to say that even in the beginning of my student teaching I wanted to just quit and start working at a coffee shop in the city instead. Now that it is the end of my placement, God has shown me that he gave me the gifts to teach through comments from my teacher and supervisor. It is comforting to know that through this experience I have truly discovered my vocation. I loved working in Chicago! The city has amazing opportunities and so much happening. If you are used to small town life, and need a change, Chicago is like a completely different and wonderful world. As far as teaching in Chicago goes, it is definitely inner city but the diversity of experience you gain is one only found in a place like Chicago. I loved working with such a diverse group of students ethnically, intellectually, and economically. 

Jessica Stob Mills - Calvin College

Student taught at Boone Elementary

What I enjoyed the most in my Chicago Semester experience this past fall was really about all the people I met. Living in the city is of course a great perk being so close to everything, but I think relationships are what make the experience that much more meaningful. Getting to know and meet the girls who student taught with me has been fun and I have learned so much from them through our conversations. I also have gained relationships with my students. It is going to be so difficult leaving all my little third graders behind. It’s hard to describe the teacher-student relationship but I think it will be similar to leaving behind a niece or nephew. These relationships and experiences have helped me learn something about myself as well. I never knew that I would enjoy teaching as much as I do. Even through the time-consuming work and preparation, I have grown to really cherish the times I spend with my students and get excited to teach them new material, filling their little brains with information that will help them grow into little individuals.

Samantha Koch - Calvin College

Student taught at Jamieson Elementary

Chicago Semester has been a great experience!  I have learned more than I ever thought I could in one semester.  I developed effective classroom management techniques, created ways to accommodate all of the diverse students in my classroom, and learned creative ways to make learning engaging and experiential.  My cooperating teacher was fantastic with explaining things to me, letting me try things for myself, and completely handing over her classroom and resources to me over the semester.  My students were amazing, a little crazy, but still amazing.  I had 33 six year olds, so crazy is expected.  My students were definitely the thing I enjoyed the most about student teaching here.  Living in Chicago was fantastic.  It takes about a week to feel comfortable with the public transportation, but once you have it figured out it becomes your best friend.  Even though student teaching requires a lot of time and effort, don't forget to have a little fun and enjoy the city because the semester will be over before you know it! 

Carlene Carpenter - Hope College

 Student taught at Curie High School

The Chicago Semester is a great opportunity to grow as a person and an educator! While living in the city I learned how to use public transportation, explore new restaurants, and go sight seeing. My favorite part about living in the city is the diversity of people and seeing the skyline every morning on the way to work. Being in Chicago allowed me to teach in a setting that I would not have otherwise been able to teach in and learn how to adapt to a new culture. The students are great and fun to work with!

Madeleine Garcia - Hope College

Student taught at Kenwood Academy

Student teaching in Chicago was incredibly valuable for my future goals and for me as a person.  I understand what it is like to live and work in an urban setting.  Because of being in , I feel as though I have experienced so much more than a typical student teacher.  I feel as though I have an advantage in getting a job because I am set apart from other teachers who have experience only in the suburb setting.  Now, I have worked with students of different races and cultures and have learned that I am able to adapt to and feel comfortable in different cultures and settings.  Because of this experience I have developed an inner confidence that I did not have before. 

The Chicago Semester gave me an opportunity to live an exciting life in a large metropolitan city.  I was able to experience a life here rather than just a vacation.  It is amazing how different a city is when you actually live there.   You discover secret hot spots that only locals know about, and you are frustrated with things that only locals are frustrated with.  I feel as though I am more culturally aware of my surroundings and have much more knowledge than I did before.  The fact that there is ALWAYS something to do in Chicago is what I enjoyed the most about living here.  There was never a dull moment.  If you were bored on any day during the week, something fun, new, or different would come up.