Student Teaching in a Chicago Elementary School
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| Victoria, Becca, Kelsey, and Julia |
Julia Harrison – Hope College
Student taught at
Healy Elementary School
Student
teaching in Chicago is a life-changing experience that I think every education
student would benefit from. Originally, I wanted to student teach in Chicago to
be closer to home and because I knew it was where I wanted to come back to.
What I didn’t realize was how much I would learn from the semester. The most
enjoyable part of the Chicago Semester experience for me was student teaching.
Being able to student teach in Chicago Public Schools is something I will now
always be able to say that I did successfully. I learned a lot about the
diversity of the city. In the classroom I was in, I observed every day how much
culture affects a student’s behavior and learning experience. By working every
day with students of a culture different than my own, I learned to appreciate
people’s differences. Student teaching in Chicago helped me build my confidence
and made me more comfortable to be in a classroom. I am happy that I decided to
student teach in Chicago because I know it has prepared me for my own future
classroom.
Victoria Johnston -
Dordt College
Student taught at
Mitchell Elementary School
Living
in Chicago for three months has been one of the most exciting semesters of my
life. I have had the opportunity to teach in a great school, have new
experiences and live within walking distance of almost anything I want to do.
My favorite part of that has been weekly arts events. There have been plays,
the symphony (seeing Yo-Yo Ma), professional dance companies and museums.
Without the weekly push to go somewhere I would not have had the chance to
truly experience the city. I learned through this semester that I love city life
and teaching. Before coming to Chicago I wanted to do urban education, but was
not sure if I would eventually change my mind. Teaching here has confirmed my
desire to bring an excellent education and great classroom environment to as
many students as possible. I am dreading fading out of teaching and giving
responsibilities back to my cooperating teacher because they are my kids now
and I do not want to say goodbye. I wish I could finish the semester with them
and participate in events like field day at the end of the year. As a personal
lover of food I have eaten out an exorbitant amount of times, but the
experience is worth it.
Kelsey Carpenter -
Hope College
Student taught at Mitchell
Elementary and Whitney Young Magnet High School
Chicago
semester has been one of the most challenging and rewarding semesters I’ve ever
had! I loved meeting new people in the program and sharing their excitement
through this journey. Living with students from other Christian schools has
given me community, fellowship, and support. Chicago semester has tested my
perseverance greatly. It provides endless opportunities for those who are ready
to take on new adventures and challenge one’s growth as a person and
professional.
Becca Cargould -
University of Mount Union
Student taught at
Ray Elementary School
What
I have enjoyed the most about the Chicago Semester experience is the sense of
accomplishment. I am not going to lie, Chicago Semester is a lot of work, but
you learn a lot about teaching and a lot about yourself. This semester I
learned that despite all the late nights, stress and mountains of work, I do in
fact love teaching. I also learned that I possess way more patience than I
thought was humanly possible. Mostly I learned that no matter where you go,
students are students and they have the same needs and wants and they will make
you smile every day. They will make you want to pull your hair out but leaving
them will be the hardest thing you do all semester.
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