Student teaching equips senior education majors
The classroom at David City Public Schools where Hannah Ethridge student teaches.
Photo credit: Hannah Ethridge
By Michaela Gibbs
The 20th century American actress Helen Hayes once said that “an expert at anything was once a beginner,” — and this phrase can apply to the student teaching experience.
Drew Gerdes.
Student teaching gives education students hands-on experience working with schools, teachers and multiple grade levels.
Dr. Drew Gerdes, Concordia’s assistant professor of Education, Early Childhood program director and director of student teaching, describes student teaching as a tool that supports students’ interests and allows them to start on their journey as educators.
“Student teaching provides students with opportunities to experience two schools, two cooperating teachers, two potential grade levels, etc.,” he said. “These in-depth experiences, while required by the Nebraska Department of Education, are designed to support individual students in their interests and program choices.”
The classroom at David City Public Schools where Hannah Ethridge student teaches. Photo: Hannah Ethridge.
Concordia’s education course progression is intended to give students both real- world experience as well as research-based best practices for teaching. Part of that is field experience.
“Field experiences early in the program start with observation and supporting cooperating teacher tasks and grow to include lesson planning and teaching as students near the end of the program,” said Concordia Director of Elementary Education Dr. Shanna Opfer.
“These formative experiences in the K-12 classroom allow students to practice authentic teaching, which prepares them for the student teaching semester.”
Even with the preparation students get prior to their student teaching semester, it can be difficult to grasp fully how much thought goes into a full day of school until they are in their placement.
Senior Hannah Ethridge is earning a degree in middle level science and math education, with a Lutheran Teaching Diploma. She said that student teaching is different than just going and teaching a lesson, but includes learning how to balance work, life, school and more, all at once.
Hannah Ethridge. Photo: Hannah Ethridge.
Ethridge said that student teaching offers education students a unique experience.
“Student teaching also gives invaluable experience that transfers to your future teaching career, helping you learn what does or does not work to help students gain and maintain information, focus, and be willing to participate in the learning process day after day,” she said.
Senior music education student Joshua Jurchen said that learning best practices will only go so far, and the best way to get better at teaching is to teach.
Jurchen said that despite the experience having its own challenges, it is a positive experience that adds to the learning repertoire of education students. “Like much in life, student teaching is what you make of it,” he said.
