Katie participated in CPSE 446 by working in a special education classroom.
What type of projects did you work on as part of your Experiential Learning course?
I had real life experience as a special education teacher. I also completed a teaching portfolio and the PPAT.
What day to day tasks were part of this experience?
By the end of my student teaching I taught about 10 different small groups. Everyday I had to plan for the next day. I spent all day at my student teaching school and went to meetings that my mentor teacher went to.
What did you learn unexpectedly?
This was a little expected but I learned how much I love teaching! This was something I had to learn from student teaching and that I couldn't learn as well by sitting in my classes or reading a textbook.
How has this experience influenced your career goals?
It has given me a strong desire to be a good teacher for as long as possible.
What types of new opportunities are now available because of the experience?
I was able to find a full-time teaching job in the district where I student taught.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I loved student teaching! It helped me to really fall in love with teaching and I learned more than I ever could from a textbook.