Whether it’s teaching kindergarteners how to share, or showing high schoolers how to perform a perfect titration, teaching is an essential part of everyone’s life. But what work goes into becoming a teacher, and how can you decide whether or not you want to go into this versatile field?
The Spartan Teacher Academy at New Hartford is a group of students who meet at lunch on Tuesdays, to learn more about a career in education. In their meetings, students work with teachers and administrators in various exercises relating to teaching and gain a deeper insight into the profession.
The meetings usually follow a set structure. Mr. Benson brings in pizzas and drinks and sets them up in Mrs. Clive’s room (Room 251). Students come in, grab some lunch, and settle down in the chairs. After a few minutes, Mr. Benson and Mrs. Halpin begin to teach students various methods and techniques regarding teaching.
One such example was when they explained how to create a lesson plan. After their instruction, they guided the students through a lesson-planning exercise where groups were tasked to teach one certain thing to the whole club.
In addition to teaching the techniques and strategies regarding education, the advisors also offer opportunities for the students to shadow current teachers within the district.
Julia Kalaf and Lauren Schilling are current sophomores who are members of the Spartan Teacher Academy. They both observe teachers in Bradley Elementary, with Julia observing Mrs. Gerardo’s first grade class and Lauren observing Mrs. Williams’ fourth grade class.
Both students made several observations while on their shadowing opportunity, especially regarding inclusion.
“I observed how well younger kids work together, and how they are all friendly to each other,” Julia noted. “It surprised me that some younger kids choose to work alone when they have the option to work in groups.”
“Something I thought was interesting was how Mrs. Williams made sure everyone was included,” Lauren said. “Whether it was reading out loud or having the kids pick each other to answer questions, everyone participated.”
Across the board, members of the club have reported positive experiences with the observership opportunity.
Lauren noted how she is taking this opportunity as a great learning experience to gain deeper insights into teaching.
Julia called the opportunity “eye opening” as it exposes high school students directly to the profession, and allows them to go down a path of self-discovery to find out what they truly want to do within the field of education.
The teaching profession is very versatile, and it is easy to change grade levels if it is what you truly want to do. Julia noted how she may want to teach a higher-elementary grade while Lauren may want to become a high school teacher
I am also a member of the club who is taking advantage of the observership. I visit Mrs. Morreale’s fifth grade classroom in Bradley Elementary.
I love how energetic the children are, and I think that matches my personality well. I also have noticed a greater increase in the use of technology as opposed to when I was in fifth grade. I think I may want to observe a middle school classroom next year.
Madame Arbogast had interned with school administration in the fall semester, and would sit in for some of the Spartan Teacher Academy meetings.
She admired the collaboration between the building principal, Mr. Benson, and the Teacher Center Director, Mrs. Halpin, in creating this club as a way to promote education. She was also amazed at the number of students participating in the program.
Next school year, Madame Arbogast will be taking a position as director of the Teacher Center which currently occupies office space near the town offices at The Orchard. . Part of this new responsibility means that she will play a more active role within the Spartan Teacher Academy, and fill the role of Mrs. Halpin.
“I am enthusiastically awaiting the opportunity to provide more contributions to this amazing club!” Madame said. “I look forward to participating within the club for a whole year to gain a deeper understanding of it, and with the help of Mr. Benson, I would make sure that we provide as many opportunities as possible to promote a wonderful profession.”
By immersing herself into different teaching scenarios and environments, Madame learned that she truly wanted to become a French teacher even though she initially wanted to teach math.
So if you are on the fence about going into education, this club would be the perfect place to try and see if the profession is right for you. Although the club’s last meeting is on June 3rd, you can still join next school year by attending the first meeting, which will be held on a Tuesday during lunch.
