Student Teaching - Spring 2014

by Erin Schrupp - Ray Elementary

I am with my roommates,
who are also student teachers.

My name is Erin Schrupp, the girl in the front of the picture, and I’m the first person from Bethel University to enroll in Chicago Semester this year. I’m from St. Paul, Minnesota and so far I have absolutely loved being here in Chicago. I really love city-life, which is funny because I grew up in a pretty small town. It’s already been a growing, yet challenging experience and I have only been here for three weeks! I live in the Gold Coast area which is a fantastic place for eating, exploring, shopping, and eating some more. I’m so excited to explore this city more in-depth and really dive into the different cultures of the neighborhoods!

I am currently involved in the Student Teaching program and was placed at William H. Ray Elementary school. Ray is a neighborhood, public school that has a focus on speaking Spanish and is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood.

William H. Ray Elementary

This school is composed of 710 students: 51% are low-income, 55% are African-American and 21% are White. I get the privilege to be in a second grade classroom! I’m in love with all my students already. I’ve been so blessed by the cooperating teacher am working with. She has made me feel so comfortable and welcomed that I already feel as though Ray Elementary has captured a piece of my heart. I definitely know this semester is going to be a challenging, yet memorable semester!