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| Cynthia, Bree, Haley, Sherry, Wendy, Chelsea & Alisha |
Student Taught at Jamieson Elementary
First off, let me just say how much I’ve loved student teaching in Chicago – the city is great, the kids are amazing, and I’ve learned so much about myself as a teacher. I have always wanted to experience the big city, but I wasn’t really exactly sure how much I would enjoy it or whether or not it was for me in as long-term type of thing. So doing my student teaching in Chicago seemed to be the perfect fit; it was something that could give me an idea of what the city was like while still only being a semester commitment. I have fallen in love with this city though. I love getting on public transportation or walking around and seeing so many different types of people; I love getting to school and seeing so many different colors of kids and knowing that they each have such unique stories, completely different from their neighbor. My kids, while they can be tough at times and a bit scary at the beginning, are just kids who are misunderstood and want some attention.
I became a teacher to help kids, and for me, being here in Chicago in the school that I’m at has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far because I can see how much I’ve helped these students. They make me laugh, they make me almost cry because I’m laughing so hard, and they’ve shown me how much kids just like them everywhere need a teacher that cares. I would recommend Chicago Semester to anyone that is interested or even thinks they are interested; come and experience the city, make a lot of new friends, become a better teacher, and enjoy every minute of it!
Alisha Compagner – Hope College
Student Taught at Boone Elementary
The Chicago Semester program is a program that desires to add to the experiences of individuals who are at the conclusion of their college career. The best thing about Chicago Semester is the wide variety of individuals who participate. It is an opportunity to meet many new people, from a variety of colleges, who have joined together to experience the urban life of Chicago. Not only is it a program that gets you out into the field, but it is a program that is spiritually driven to connect your experiences with Christ. I have learned how to collaborate with people from all around the world through my student teaching experience, and I have learned the importance of diversity and connecting with people of many different cultures. This program opens your eyes to new styles of living, people you may never have been able to come in contact with, and the diversity that surrounds you each and every day.
The student teaching experience is especially beneficial. I was able to differentiate for students from many different countries, who spoke more than 40 different languages. I learned how to collaborate with teachers, who also were from different cultural backgrounds, to develop lessons and curriculum that would meet each child’s physical and emotional needs. The experience in Chicago was beneficial, and will whole life long memories.
Chelsea Schuen – Trinity Christian College
Student Taught at Jamieson Elementary
What I enjoyed most about the Chicago Semester experience was getting to know new people from the different schools. I built friendships that I know will continue beyond the end of this semester. From my experience as a student teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, I have learned just how much emotion I invest into my job as an educator. I loved getting to know each one of my students and hearing their stories, as heartbreaking as some of them were. I found myself wanting to pack my kids up and take them with me after I finished the semester; I could not imagine waking up and not seeing their smiling energetic beings in the morning. This time I spent in Chicago Public Schools was the most rewarding experience that I have ever engaged in. I am so grateful that I chose to take part in the Chicago Semester program.
Sherry Runia – Northwestern College
Student Taught at Boone Elementary
I am shocked that my time here in Chicago is almost done! I have truly enjoyed student teaching in Chicago - it has been a great learning experience!One thing that I have enjoyed most while student teaching in Chicago is getting to know the students in my classes. They are wonderful and I will never forget them. Currently, I am student teaching in 2nd grade and 2nd graders are so honest- they tell you everything! After student teaching in Chicago, I can see that I have been challenged in many ways, including learning how to have patience when my patience is running thin, along with learning how to go around, through, over, or under obstacles. God has challenged me in this way and encouraged me to be a better teacher by pushing me to work through my weaknesses. Chicago semester has been a great experience and is something that I will never forget!
Student Taught at Peterson Elementary
I so very much enjoyed the students during my experience. I could not begin to describe how much I have grown to love them for all of their differences. I was able to teach in a very diverse classroom. This meant I had a lot of challenges, but so many more rewards. I got to see so much growth out of the children in all academic areas and even some in behavior. I learned that I can be pushed past my limits. I can be put outside of my comfort zone and thrive. My experience at Chicago Semester was so enriched and helped me grow both professionally and personally. I will forever be grateful to them for allowing me this experience to really see how far I could go and how much I could grow.
Wendy Matamoros Gomez – Dordt College
Student Taught at Jamieson Elementary
Through Chicago Semester, I was challenged professionally, spiritually, and even physically (I know it wasn't as cold, but it was a lot of walking). I do not regret doing the Chicago semester because of that. I loved being exposed to the beauty that exists in the diversity of a city setting. I learned that I love learning about different cultures more than I thought, and how important it is to value each person. My classroom was very diverse, and I loved getting to know each of my students as individuals and the unique jewel they are to God.
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