End of Semester Thoughts #2

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A POTENTIAL APPLICANT TO ENCOURAGE HIM/HER TO STUDENT TEACH WITH CHICAGO SEMESTER?

Anelise Schrammen – Bethel University

This is a decision you will NOT regret. I have learned more about myself as a person this semester than all four years of college. This is an amazing opportunity that not only helps your career but it helps you grow as an individual. Being immersed in the city allows me to realize there is so much more to life than the bubble I was living in. This city is full of life and there are always exciting things to do and places to explore!

Alyssa Huizinga – Trinity Christian College

I would tell a potential applicant that doing student teaching in Chicago is difficult. Not only with large class sizes, difficult students and a lot of work outside the classroom, you have the temptation of the city to keep you from focusing on your student teaching. However, it will be the best decision you make as a prospective teacher. You will learn so much in this semester of teaching and you will have so much fun while doing it. Coming out of the semester, you will feel as though you can teach anywhere, and anything. You will meet new people along the way, have new experiences, and have a great time in the city. Chicago Semester is a rewarding program and I encourage those who are thinking about it to student teach with them.

Brittany Vollmer – Northwestern College

I would greatly encourage him/her to teach in Chicago. The positives and skills I am taking with me after this semester definitely out-weighed any concerns or personal challenges I encountered. I also found that I had a great support system with the other student teachers, my roommates, and my advisor. I am extremely thankful for my semester here in Chicago.

Kelsie Wojcik – Hope College

Student teaching in Chicago will provide an opportunity that will allow you to step out of your comfort zone as you gain a comprehensive teaching experience. This experience will equip you with the skills you need to teach in nearly any student population.

Erin Czaia – Bethel University

Student teaching in a CPS school gives you an urban teaching experience it’s almost impossible to find anywhere else in the Midwest. This is the third largest city in the whole country, and no other city in the region can even compare to Chicago’s population. When you’re student teaching, you don’t necessarily have a lot of free time – although this will depend on your grade and subject area – but even if you only have a small amount of free time, it’s a great experience to explore Chicago.

Amanda Mast – Central College

Student teaching in general is one of the most rewarding but challenging experiences you will go through - at least in college.  Teaching in Chicago has really opened up my eyes to the impact teachers have.  So many of these kids need a role model or for someone to show them that they care.  Assigning myself that task has given me a whole new purpose for teaching, and I don’t think I would have realized that without Curie.  I would highly encourage education majors to consider Chicago Semester because it is an experience that is unique, and you will not regret it.

Betsy Wallin – Northwestern College

I would tell them to do it. There are always opportunities in life you regret not taking, and not going to Chicago would be one of those regrets. It is an amazing experience and worth much more than just a semester at college. It has also helps to ease the transition from college into adult life in the real world. Ultimately the Chicago semester has been one of the greatest experiences of my college career.

Hannah Lee – Calvin College

I would tell a potential applicant that teaching in Chicago is not an easy task, but the experience is worth it.  There are going to be sacrifices that you will have to make here and there, it's a true taste of what it will be like when you actually hold a job.  Student teaching in Chicago is a challenge that I doubted at first, but do not have even an ounce of regret for now. Through this experience, I have stretched my limits and learned more about myself.

Emily Benson – Central College

I would tell them that this is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would also make sure they were ready for the course work. The edTPA and the Tuesday class expectations. These are things I was not told and it was not a good surprise.  Overall, it flies by and I would 100% recommend it to any potential applicant.  Create experience to grow as a person and as an educator. 

Kathryn Woodside – Trinity Christian College

Chicago Semester has given me a unique experience to engage with the beauty and brokenness of Chicago. My school was in an affluent neighborhood where I got to see some of the best of what CPS has to offer. The district may be known for its issues and challenges related to poverty and politics, there are positive things happening in the schools throughout the city. It was a blessing to be able to do both my SPED and elementary education placements in the same school.

End of Semester Thoughts #1

What value did student teaching in Chicago have for you, particularly as it impacts your future goals?

Betsy Wallin – Northwestern College

I have realized my passion for inner city teaching. I loved my experience in Chicago, and grew both as a teacher and a person in this city. I love the cultures and differences that those cultures bring to your classroom. I have decided to become a teacher in an inner city school, and plan on doing so next year. I have received job offers to teach in inner city schools in Minnesota, Arizona, and Cambodia. My experience here in Chicago has prepared me for all of these possible job opportunities.

Hannah Lee – Calvin College

Student teaching in Chicago has confirmed my passion for working in public schools and urban areas. This is the setting that I want to continue to teach in the future. Through this experience I have been able to observe how students' home lives affect their school life and I hope to continue to strive to be someone they can look up to.

Anelise Schrammen – Bethel University

I have a heart for children in the city. Teaching in this setting has made my heart grow so much more and my passion for the students in the city has turned into a reality. Pushing myself outside of the comfort of my familiar setting, people, and places I have learned that I am capable of anything.

Kelsie Wojcik – Hope College

Through student teaching in Chicago I was able to value the importance of sacrificial love. Whether it was my students or a staff member, I have gained insight on the importance of building rapport and respect people who are different from me. I have learned how to serve others with an unconditional heart. In the future, my goal is to serve others through this value and create a classroom that fosters safety, security and love.

Alyssa Huizinga – Trinity Christian College

Doing my student teaching in Chicago gave me the value of teaching a set of diverse students. Going to a Christian school my whole life, I have not been accustomed to students/classmates from low socioeconomic statuses, or simply from coming from all over the world. I have learned so much from the students in my classroom this semester. I have learned the importance of coming to school being a loving and open teacher. A lot of the students in my classroom don’t feel the love they deserve at home, and it’s important as their teacher, the one who sees them 8 hours a day, to give them that love and respect they deserve. I have learned, that a competent teacher is a creative teacher, a teacher who can use whatever is in the classroom to make learning fun, excited and educational for her students. This experience has inspired me to be the best teacher I can be wherever God leads me, and I look forward to seeing where I am going to go. 

Amanda Mast – Central College

I had never had any urban experience teaching, so the main reason I did this was to push myself and see if I enjoyed the larger setting.  Again, I did not think I liked it very much in the beginning, but it grew on me.  For the future, I am looking into schools in both Iowa and Illinois which has opened up my options a lot. I also am pretty positive that I want to be a teacher, something I was unsure of before student teaching.  I am not sure I would have reached this conclusion if I student taught in a normal setting because the students here have pushed me to be a better teacher, even if that wasn’t their intent.  Because of this semester, I have decided that urban teaching is a better fit for me.  

Brittany Vollmer – Northwestern College

I believe teaching in Chicago has better prepared me for “real life” teaching because it pushed me outside my comfort zone and into a very diverse area. Because of teaching in a big city, I believe I have become a more well-rounded teacher. I had to learn how to work with my resources and be a patient, supportive teacher for students who do not necessarily have a great home life.

Kathryn Woodside – Trinity Christian College

Student teaching in Chicago allowed me to explore the possibility of living and teaching downtown without a long term commitment. Previous to coming to the city, I considered applying for a teaching job in CPS. Student teaching in the city gave me a greater chance of getting a job in the district in my first year out of college. In the last few months I had also wondered if the city lifestyle would fit me, especially compared to a more rural area. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed the activities and adventures that await each day in Chicago, I was able to determine that I might enjoy being in a place that has less traffic and challenges surrounding transportation.

Emily Benson – Central College

This experience had so much value for me as a person and as an educator. The diversity I was able to work with was phenomenal and I never would have had this in Iowa.  I learned a lot about how to incorporate all students’ backgrounds and their cultures in the classroom.  I was able to work with special education students and see how their minds work. I was able to see the IEP referral process and learn from that. I figured out so much from this academic and culture diversity. Personally, I learned that teaching is definitely the path I want to take.  I found that moving to the city made me grab on to my faith a lot tighter.  Being alone here with no family was a difficult thing for me.  I was able to learn that I need to be close to those people who love me.  I also learned that I would love to have a teaching job at a faith-based school. It would be awesome to be able to talk about God and help my students grow in their faith. 

Erin Czaia – Bethel University

This was a hugely valuable experience for me, especially as I am strongly considering teaching in Chicago. When applying for jobs in the area, I now have relevant experience to add to my application. This will also be true when applying for teaching jobs in any urban center, such as Minneapolis or St. Paul.

Student Teaching - Final Blog

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

For the past few summers I worked at a summer camp in upstate New York. We would always start the summer with two weeks of intense training where we were surrounded by our co-workers. At the end of the training, we were given that Sunday as a “solo day” to reflect and rejuvenate, a day where we were encouraged to climb a mountain or go for a kayak trip on our own and just listen to the quiet world around us.

Pictures from my solo day

This last Sunday, I took a “solo day” in Chicago. I started at the Lincoln Park Zoo, and got lost many times. At the same time, can you get lost when you have no real destination? Moving on I walked to the beach, making sure to walk through the sand rather than the sidewalk; it was nice to have a change of surface. I walked along Lake Michigan for a while until I hit Navy Pier. I took a walking break and sat in the Crystal Gardens, a botanical within the attraction. After observing everything there, I moved on to Grant Park to see the Buckingham Fountain, but I stumbled upon the NFL draft spot, an obviously exciting place. 

While it is great that I was able to see or re-see all of these places, I also did a great deal of reflecting and thinking about my Chicago experience. I have grown as a person in such a small period of time.  I have become more independent while still depending on people around me. I have learned to balance work and play. I realized how much I love my job. I love students, teachers, classrooms, books, teaching students how to love learning, and much more. In New York, I learned how to find the beauty in nature, but here I learned how to find the beauty in exploring. The view of the skyline will never stop being impressive. Making students laugh will never stop being fulfilling. Turtle races is always a must, and if Stubhub has cheap tickets, you get on a train and go. I have always heard that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, but here I actually applied that. I have been pushed so far out of my comfort zone that I don’t even know where my “safe place” even is. I came to the conclusion that this has been the best four months of my life, and I am not sure how it will be topped. During my six mile walk, I laughed and (almost) cried, and realized that I loved this city way too much. I’m going home knowing so much more about myself and with an open mind. I feel prepared to graduate; I have no regrets. 

Lupe, a UIC student teacher, and I
cutting our farewell cake at Curie Metro High School

Before my roommates left me, we made one more special outing, one we had planned on doing for a long time. We all went to a Cubs game. Though they lost, we had fun eating peanuts and pretending to be big fans of the team. This last adventure perfectly frames all of the fun we have had as a group. My roommates have provided me with distractions, support, adventures, and so much more. Their friendship means so much to me, and living with them made Chicago that much better. It is crazy to me that I was randomly placed with these ladies, all of which have completely different personalities, and we did not just get along but needed each other. Thank you, ladies, and I hope your Chicago Semester was as fulfilling as mine was. 

A few final pictures of my roommates and me!
The last one is from the Cubs game.

I did not go to Curie on Monday because I was observing at a different CPS school, and when I came back, I was bombarded with sad, worried children. It’s hard for them to focus on school when they are reminded that I am leaving at the end of the week. Students who I have had problems with are apologizing and telling me they were “getting used to me.”  How can I leave them? I feel cruel. They have threatened to kidnap me so that I can’t leave- a nice thought, I guess. I could not have asked for better students to work with, and I will miss every one of them. Also shout out to my cooperating teachers, Melissa Ayala and Preston Woo, for taking on the challenge of teaching this Iowa girl how to teach in an urban school. You gave me the freedom to take risks and fail sometimes, but what is even better is that they let me talk it out afterwards, rather than just telling me what I did wrong. There is nothing I can say or give you guys that will express how grateful I am that I was placed with you two.

I’m finding it difficult to stop writing because doing that further signifies how close I am to the end. Final thoughts on student teaching in Chicago: I am leaving feeling like I can do anything. If you are considering the program, do it. You may not think that urban education is not your specialty, but how will you know unless you try it? This is the perfect taste of city living and teaching, the perfect stepping stone to living alone and being completely independent. I am leaving with a new confidence and a new home. 

Thank you all for keeping up with my blogs and for your prayers and support.

Student Teaching - Week #13

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

The sun starting to rise during my commute!

After a week of Spring Break, it was surprisingly nice to be back in the classroom again. Everyone was refreshed, excited, and caught up if they had fallen behind. Things are a bit different, though, because I am starting to phase out of full time teaching. I am supposed to be allowing my cooperating teacher to take back over, but I’m finding it a bit hard to let her do so. I started the week assuming it would be easier and that I would just sit back and work on some of my portfolio work, but I like being involved, and I am finding myself offering to take over the class. Because of break, I don’t have a whole lot to say about my school experience, but in the next few weeks I am planning on going to a volleyball game and a baseball game to support some of my freshman. You can look forward to seeing that in future blogs!

I am struggling to believe that I am nearing the end of student teaching! I don’t even want it to be done. Sure, sleeping again will be nice, but I think I might miss the school more. I’m already having separation issues, so the rest of this experience should be interesting. By interesting, I mean that I am going to be pretty sad. Students are already questioning why I am not doing all of the teaching, and I accidentally told one class that this was my last month. It took a bit to calm them back down again after that, and even though it was a hassle, it was pretty sweet. It’s one of those rewarding perks of teaching.

City Life: Last Friday night, a few of my roommates and I went to Improvised Shakespeare. This was a suggested from a friend of a friend as a “Chicago must-see” and I assumed that since I have a special appreciation for Shakespeare, I would love it. It didn’t disappoint, but it was not what I expected either! The crowd shouted out made up “Shakespearean” play names, one was picked, and the cast created a plot, including soliloquies and rhymes. It was so impressive to see them act on the spot in Elizabethan style! Not everyone in my party appreciated it as much as I did, but the acting and lines were so realistic! I had the best time, and I’m glad my friends are great enough to go with me as I “nerd-out” on literature humor.

My roommate, Emily, and I at U.S. Cellular Field!

Another great perk of living in the city is that you can make last second plans to go to sporting events. I am a Minnesota Twins fan, and I had been watching the ticket prices once I found out they were playing the White Sox. Emily, my roommate here and from back home, and I purchased tickets a few hours before the game at a very reasonable price. The weather was great, and it was so much fun to do something spontaneously, even though the Twins lost pretty badly.  

Student Teaching - Week #11

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

Skyline from 95th floor of the Hancock Building

Testing is done! It’s crazy how the dynamic of my classes have changed now that everyone is back together again. It’s also nice to have all of my classes in almost the same place again. As a student, I would have never assumed that testing would be such a burden to a teacher, but I have never had to make so many separate plans!

This week I am also finishing up my first full unit! It seemed to take forever, but I had so much fun doing it. We are finishing by creating a “Fakebook,” a Facebook profile for one of the heroes we read over this unit. This changes up the traditional “finish with a paper that tells me what you learned.” After showing them the assignment and showing them my example—Marlin from Finding Nemo, it’s pretty funny, so you should look it up—they seem excited for the change. Maybe they are just excited for Spring Break. Either way they are full of energy and excitement, and that makes going to work that much easier.

Last Friday the Chicago Semester Fall 2015 student teachers came to visit Curie, and we all went out to eat in Pilsen. It was so great to take them around and show them all of the things I have loved about the city: my school, my apartment, Pilsen, and the food! It feels great to show off this wonderful adventure I have been having the past few months! Thank you guys for a great time, and I hope your experiences are as fulfilling as mine has been!

Dinner at Alhambra with roommates
Emily, Hannah, Lindsay & Lauren

This weekend a few of my roommates and I decided to treat ourselves! Friday night, we got all dressed up and went out for National Paella day! We went to Alhambra Palace, a restaurant that mimics the look of the actual Alhambra Palace in southern Spain. Did we pay too much for food? Yes. Was it delicious? Yes! It was worth it! We enjoyed two traditional Spanish appetizers and three main dishes, paella included! The building was so beautiful, colorful, and large! It was an experience we will never forget!

Paella

After that, we travelled to the loop to get a gorgeous view of the city in The Signature Lounge. This lounge was on the 95^th floor of the John Hancock building. We may have received special treatment when we arrived, for we were taken to a table right up to window. My chair was literally touching the window overlooking miles of Chicago streets. My roommates and I sat in silence, taking in everything. We were to the point of crying, seeing so many places we have been and seeing how large, yet small, the city is. It was the best place to reflect on all of our experiences and memories we have had. Time is going too fast, and we haven’t gotten the chance to just sit and reflect to ourselves.

The city is so large, but when we were looking out the window, you could see of the little communities that have been formed. There is so much more than tall buildings and bustling. We live in our own little community, and I think that is even more beautiful than the lights and tall buildings.

Me and the skyline

Student Teaching - Week #10

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

My first week of student teaching, I was talking to someone back home about my first experiences. I believe my exact quote was “I am 100% sure I do not want to be a teacher.” After one week of seeing the stress and behind the scenes teacher work, I made this bold statement. I would have never guessed I would be so wrong. 

This week, I had an epiphany. I am loving the teaching and planning involved. It has been difficult and at times seemed way too stressful to even be considered a job, but the support I have received from back home has kept me going. This week, someone from my hometown sent me a viral video from Ellen of an amazing teacher who has a big heart focused on teaching children. The person who sent it to me simply said that she could see me be this kind of teacher. After watching that video, I realized that was what I wanted to be. All of my heart has been put into these students, and I love talking to them about life just as much as I love teaching them. The video brought me to tears because I was honored that someone would see that in me and because I realized that I am supposed to be a teacher. After the stress and uncertainty of college, realizing that I love what I am doing was the most wonderful feeling. I wish more than anything I could show everyone pictures of my students and tell you my stories about all of them. 

Much of this is thanks to the support I have all around me. From students back at Central, professors, people from my hometown, the teachers I work with now, my roommates, the other student teachers in my program and the school, my parents . . . I could go on forever, no joke. I really want to thank all of you who read my blog and message me right away to say you are thinking about me and that you are proud of me. The fact that I have such a strong support system has gotten me through so many of the hard situations, allowing me to see the beauty of the rest of my experience. Thank you. 

Chicago Symphony Center

I had the most fantastic week in the city as well! Chicago Semester students went to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring Yo-Yo Ma. One of my roommates and I arrived very early, so we had time to explore the orchestra hall. There were so many fun staircases and nooks to find with small, beautiful details. It was fun to get dressed up on a Thursday night, but the true greatness of the night was listening to Yo-Yo Ma play. I don’t know if I will ever see someone who loved music as much as he did again. With my opera binoculars – I borrowed them from a Chicago Semester staff member—I could see so much passion and emotion on his face. This was my favorite art event by far.  The atmosphere, the friends, and the music - It was magical.

With my roommate,
Emily, at the
Chicago Symphony

Another fun, unique thing we did this weekend was go to turtle racing at Big Joe's. Honestly, if someone was to suggest that you could go to a turtle race, wouldn’t you? There was a new race every fifteen minutes.  Turtles would start in the center circle, and after being released, they would move, at their own pace, toward the outside of the circle. Some turtles were really quick and would speed out, but some would stay in the center, taking their own time and taking in their cheering friends. Everyone was yelling and cheering for these turtles who didn’t seem to care. The atmosphere was so light and fun; it was the perfect way to kill stress and end the week.

Student Teaching - Week #8

by Amanda Mast - Curie High School

Funny quote of the week: “You didn’t choose Curie; Curie chose you”

After attempting to explain that I didn’t choose to come to Curie specifically, but I chose to teach in Chicago, one girl made this sassy remark.  They struggle with the concept of me coming to Chicago to student teach, but I am actually from Iowa.  It confuses them that I don’t make money even though I am working so hard.  On the other hand though, it is really nice to know that they are curious and they want to know everything about me (yes, I am asked a lot of questions every day).

Stairs to Pink Line train

Because we were finishing up our edTPA for our education seminar, I was only in class two days last week.  I’ve had my first sub and experienced the students being confused, but other than that I really have nothing new to report.  I do realize, though, that I hate missing school and getting the students back on track is so difficult.  Taking sick days may not be worth it. 

I didn’t do a whole lot of sight-seeing this week, so I’m going to take some time to write about Pilsen.  Pilsen is a neighborhood with a heavy Hispanic influence. The residents are very proud of their background and culture, and they show it with their murals in Pilsen and a strong sense of community. Pilsen is a unique neighborhood because it has several small restaurants and small shops you can only find in Pilsen. The Jumping Bean has been a favorite coffee shop for my roommates and me. I’m told it has the best Mexican hot chocolate, and I would believe it!   Favorite restaurant: La Cebollita but the main reason might be because it’s only a block away. In Pilsen, everyone has been very welcoming. It has been a lovely living environment full of colors, excitement, and community!

The art at Café Jumping Bean

Student Teaching - Week #7

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

Last Monday, I was talking to someone back home about my teaching experience. They asked me if I was becoming “calloused.”  At first I said “yeah sure. I guess some of the things they say to me don’t affect me as much anymore.” It seemed to make sense. I don’t come home upset about the things students say anymore; they actually make me laugh.  Does that make me calloused?

I made my greatest bounds relationship wise this week.  Students I am failing were telling me that they enjoyed my teaching and promised they would try harder to do well.  Students who seemed unimpressed were smiling and excited.  It felt natural and great to be teaching.  After the week passed, I thought back to the calloused conversation, and realized if anything I’ve become the opposite.  My heart is so soft towards these kids. Now that I know some of their struggles and home-lives, I care for them so much. If saying one disrespectful comment to me gets them through the day, I will handle it.  More than anything, I want to help them.  I want to change their lives even if they don’t realize I’m doing it. 

This week we used technology, read “The Cat in the Hat,” and read another Greek myth. The amount I am getting them to read and enjoy is so much more than when I started.  As a teacher, I am growing in efficiency and confidence, and the students can tell.  This week has been so devoted to teaching, and I love it even more than I thought I would. 

One Came Home
Lifeline Theater

As for my Chicago living experience, I did not do much this week because I was devoted to planning and sleeping- everyone in the house was getting a little sick, and I have never wanted to avoid sickness so badly. On Thursday, we went to Lifeline Theater to the play “One Came Home.” It was a small stage with few props and a lot of imagination (ex. using a ladder as a horse).  Seeing this small play just showed how much the city appreciates arts no matter how small.  My roommates and I also attempted to go to the Lagunitas Brewery, but that place is like a small city in itself!  We ended up never finding the entrance until the tour had already started.  I guess that will be an adventure for another weekend!

              

Student Teaching - Week #6

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

February 19, 2015

Last week was a short week, but it was still just as exhausting.  While it’s nice to have a day off, I’m starting to realize that the students recharge over the off days as well! They were so chatty, and I’ve found out that my teacher voice is lacking.  I struggled to project my voice, and when everyone is speaking, I got lost in the crowd.  It was something I never realized until this excited week.

I’m definitely starting to feel the pressures of everything.  I’m on my fourth week of full time teaching, and my plans are starting to catch up with me.  It was a week where everything seemed spur-of-the moment and nothing just wanted to work out.  It’s not that any classes went poorly; I felt like everything was just happening off the top of my head.  At first it was very stressful, but then I realized that this is what all the teachers are doing.  All of them are just constantly thinking, planning, and working, and the fact that I made it through this week gave me confidence.  I can do this even when it’s stressful, and I don’t know what is going on.  I’m getting really good at faking it. 

This week we are pushing forward with the hero’s journey, and we are applying this to “The Odyssey.” I’m really excited because we are using a graphic novel which is something many of the students told me they were interested in. Since it is the first novel I’ve ever introduced, I’m sure I will have stories about it for next week! We are even bringing the iPads out so that’s always an adventure too!

This Sunday, we celebrated the Chinese New Year in Chinatown.  Honestly, I don’t know if I would have even thought about going, but my roommate’s uncle invited us to have lunch and watch the parade. I knew right when we walked into the restaurant that it was going to be exciting! A majority of the people eating were men in kilts with their bagpipes next to them.  Not something you would expect for the Chinese New Year, but the music was enjoyable while we ate! Plus we managed to make friends with a few of them! The parade was also very colorful and loud. It was just a taste of the Chinese culture but I’m so glad I went. It was the perfect weekend event.

Student Teaching - Week #5

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

Life at School

“Miss Mast, I’m glad you aren’t afraid of us anymore.  Your face looks more comfortable. I’m glad you can be a part of our family.”

Well, I wasn’t aware that in my first week I was not only scared but I looked scared. There was so much that this statement helped me realize.  When a student said this to me this week, I was reminded that I was really afraid when I first came to Curie. It was large and different, and I was clearly an outsider.  It didn’t take long for me to get over that.  It has been so long since I’ve had any fears other than teaching itself.  After this comment I also realized that the fear was all in my head.  The students didn’t change, but my perception of how they saw me did.  I also feel blessed that this student considers me part of the family now. It’s such a confidence booster.

This week has been full of planning and new technology! It was a bold move to bring iPads into the classroom, a new iPad cart was just purchased for each floor, and even though we didn’t get as much done as I wanted, we will be better prepared next time! The students also seemed to have a lot of fun setting up their Edmodo accounts and pretending our class had a Facebook (I’m very excited to tell them about the Facebook assignment we will be doing in a month!). I’m hoping to bring more technology into these classes, so be ready to hear more about it later!

City Living

Auditorium Theater/Joffrey Ballet

Through Chicago Semester’s arts program, we saw Unique Voices at the Joffrey Ballet Friday night. I’m not familiar with ballet or dancing in general, but after seeing the ballet, I definitely thought about changing my career path and becoming a ballerina.  The stage was beautiful and even from a distance, you could see the passion and emotion that each performer put into dancing.   

Shedd Aquarium

Saturday, some of the girls and I took advantage of our Chicago residency and went to the Shedd Aquarium.  It was free for residents, and we assumed if we got there early enough, we could walk right in and enjoy the fish. The long line outside of the tent outside of the building told us otherwise.  We decided to brave the cold and wait, but I think if we would have seen the forecast, we would have run away.  About twenty minutes in, we couldn’t feel our toes and it didn’t take long for the rest of our bodies to follow.  We waited outside in line for an hour and a half and then waited in a tent for another thirty minutes.  Some positives of the wait were (1) I was able to eat my first Chicago dog while in line, (2) Some parents let us hold their children to keep them warm, and (3) The wait made the aquarium so much better.  The building was beautiful and unique and I love fish. I even got to see my favorite animal, manta rays!

We didn’t have school on Monday because it was President’s Day, but some of the Chicago Semester students volunteered in Humboldt Park.  San Lucas United Church of Christ runs a mobile produce truck that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to families who can’t afford them.  Once a month, the church has about one hundred people line up to receive produce, but without volunteers, the crowd would not be manageable. While we were there we unpacked the truck and then bagged the vegetables and fruits for convenience.  Families went down the line and picked up what they needed. The church relies so heavily on volunteers, but it wasn’t hard to see why it works! The work went so fast because we were having fun and the process helped so many people.  Part of me wishes I could do it every month, but I would miss my students!

Volunteers for the day!
http://www.humboldtparkportal.org/directory/3934

                      

Student Teaching - Spring 2015

by Amanda Mast - Curie Metro High School

You would think that moving to Chicago would have been a difficult adjustment for me. I grew up in Cresco, Iowa, a small town where the closest mall was an hour away, and now I’m living in a city where there is noise, lights, and commotion at all hours of the day. In May, I will graduate from Central College in Pella, Iowa, another small town and small college. So far, though, living in the city has been different but fantastic. I choose to do my student teaching here because I never had any inner city experience, so how would I know if I liked it or not if I didn’t try?

LaCasa ladies at the Bean in Millennium Park

There is so much to say about my experience so far that I am struggling to verbalize everything that is happening. I am starting week five of my student teaching, and even though I haven’t been here for very long, I feel very comfortable here and my routine seems normal. While waking up and getting ready is generally not a super positive experience, these students are so funny that it makes it all worth it. They are also curious about my life back home and how different it is. One class even describes me as being “fresh off the farm” (not that I have lived on a farm, but they can’t seem to understand that). These students have so much character and personality that they make coming in enjoyable, no matter how early I have to wake up to get here on time. I have also really enjoyed getting to know the other student teachers in the English department. We mesh really well, and the other teachers call us the “cool kids” and say we have too much fun. I have made so many great relationships and connections, and they support me so much in this demanding, trying experience.    

Curie Metro High School

Curie Metropolitan High School is a magnet high school with an enrollment of over 3,000 students-about the same as my hometown’s population. The majority of the students are Hispanic, and 95% of the students come from a low-income home. It is a school that appreciates art and believes that this is the key to being successful.  So many of my students are talented artists, writers, musicians, dancers, etc. The school’s mission is to prepare students "to become leaders and engaged citizens in a global society, enabling them to contribute positively and responsibly to their community." The building is large, but I only have to worry about the English wing. I don’t venture too far away from it. I got lucky on my first day of school because I happened to run into another English department student teacher on the train, so he was able to take me everywhere I needed to go. Unlike other smaller schools I have taught at, Curie’s teachers all have a desk in a department office rather than having set classrooms. They push around a cart with all of their materials for the day, and that, surprisingly, has been my biggest struggle. Everything must stay organized and your cart must be well stocked. It’s your miniature, mobile desk.