JPDSP Student Spotlight
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November 2007 |
Marzah , Farragut Elementary |
Ms. Stevens is an Indermediate Field Experience teacher candidate from the University of St. Francis. For the last three months she has had the privilege of working with the outstanding students, teachers, and staff members of Farragut Elementary School. She has truly enjoyed every opportunity that she has had to collaborate and learn from not only the great teachers she has encountered on her professional journey to become an educator, but also from the students she has been working with closely. One of these students is Marzah.
Marzah is a hard working student in third grade. Everyday Marzah is excited and determined to learn new things from her two teachers. She feels that having two teachers in her classroom has been a great experience for her. She likes that the two different teachers get to take turns working with the students in the classroom. She also says that “when the teachers take turns it means that the students get to have fun with both teachers.” She likes that having two teachers in the classroom means that she gets more individual attention. She thinks that this extra attention is the reason she is able to learn so many new things quickly.
Marzah did not know that Farragut Elementary School had a partnership with the University of St. Francis. When she found out that they did though, she thought it was a great idea for the two schools to work together to help each other. Marzah likes that the students in her classroom have a lot to learn about and that they are able to help each other learn all these new things. She thinks her classroom is special because her teachers are able to make the things that the students have to learn fun. As a student, she feels very special and important because she is able to teach Ms. Stevens how to become the best teacher she can be. |
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November 2007 |
Josephine, A.O. Marshall Elementary |
This month's spotlight has been chosen by University of St. Francis teacher candidate, Ms. Hendrick. During Ms. Hendrick's first experience working in a Kindergarten class, she quickly learned that each day something different occurs in a classroom. She also learned that she needs to do her best to complete lesson plans and center activities. Ms. Hendrick's second experience occurred at Parks Cultural Academy where she was placed in Mrs. Mensendike’s First grade classroom and met Josephine, the November Student Spotlight.
Ms. Hendrick noticed right away that Josephine was a quiet student. She worked closely with Josephine on her math and writing skills. “Josephine is a very smart student, but she becomes frustrated with herself when she does not complete an assignment as fast as some of the other students. In many of Josephine’s actions, I see myself,” says Ms. Hendrick. “I too am my biggest critic. For the past few weeks, I have been building Josephine’s self-esteem up and working on her math and writing skills. I believe she has come a long way since my first week in school, and I am very proud of her. She has opened up and let me help her the best way I could!”
Josephine says she is happy that she has two teachers because they give her more help when she gets stuck. “I get more work done because she can sit with me and help right away,” says Josephine. “Ms. Hendrick helped me with math and told me to take my time.” “Ms. Hendrick reminded me that it is more important to take my time and get it right than to finish first and have all the wrong answers.” Josephine than asked, “My family is all faster eaters than me, and my brother is 3 years older and faster too. That’s OK right?” Ms Hendrick responded that is absolutely ok but, that it’s not about a race in school and eating.
Ms. Hendrick feels like she can do more for the students at schools like A. O. Marshall or Parks Academy. "I feel that I bring a lot of kindness, realness, patience, and most importantly respect into the classroom.” |
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September 2007 |
Antwanette, A.O. Marshall Elementary |
Antwanette has been selected as the JPDSP Student Spotlight for the month of September at A. O. Marshall. She is a student in Mrs. Quigley’s room. She has worked closely with Ms. Alexis Mahkovec who is a teacher candidate from the University of St. Francis.
Last spring Ms. Mahkovec was in first grade as an Intermediate Field Experience teacher candidate and now works with many of the same students. Ms. Mahkovec says that the students were all amazed to find her here this fall and she feels it has been very beneficial. Both Ms. Mahkovec and the students know what to expect from each other.
Ms. Mahkovec sees Antwanette as a determined, hard working student. “She is always trying to do well and wants everything to be perfect.” “Just like me,” Ms. Mahkovec jokes. How does Antwanette feel about having two teachers in her classroom? “Fine,” she says shyly. “She always helps me when I ask her. She helps with the words when I am reading. Last year she let me read her Babysitter Club books. I like having two teachers.” |
Ernesto, Farragut Elementary |
Having the opportunity to learn from the staff and students of Farragut Elementary in Joliet has been an experience Ms. Brown will cherish forever. She has met so many great teachers and students who are born leaders and are working to change the world one step at a time. She has the honor of working with students who care for one another as well as their education.
One of these charismatic students is Ernesto, a fifth grader at Farragut. Ernesto is a bright young man who loves the opportunity to learn and his face lights up when he knows an answer. He is a courteous student who cares for others as well as their belongings. Ernesto believes that having two teachers in the classroom is a positive circumstance. He feels the teachers use great teamwork and are there to support one another throughout the day. Ernesto also relates more individualized attention to there being two teachers in the classroom. He knows that at least one teacher will be there to help him if he struggles.
Ernesto was not aware that Farragut Elementary and the University of St. Francis had a partnership but is glad to know there will be more teacher candidates at Farragut Elementary in the future. Ernesto believes in cooperative learning in the classroom. Having an interactive classroom is very important to Ernesto and he is glad that both teachers encourage students to learn from one another. As a teacher candidate, Ms. Brown truly believes that the symbiotic relationship between the students and her is a benefit that will only better the educational process. |
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