Midterm in Education Department

Midterm is a busy time with projects and/or tests to grade. Students find themselves busy with presentations and studying for tests. Our field experience students have received their assignments and are excited about working in real classrooms in various capacities. Some of them put up bulletin boards, tutor students, grade papers, and teach lessons.

My Language Arts Social Studies methods class students have to teach 3 lessons during their 24 hours of experience. It's really great because they get some experience in a classroom before their final big student teaching experience. I enjoy reading their reflections about their lesson taught and how they would change it for next time. It's a real "hands-on" learning experience!

If you're in high school you're probably at the end of the first quarter - getting ready to receive report cards and possibly experience parent conferences. Have you ever done a "student-led" conference? It's a great experience and really makes you accountable. In this situation you have to sit and explain your work to your parents - what you have and haven't done! Many middle schools have adopted this conference format.

Teaching Internationally?

Today Olivet hosted the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Over 20 international schools were represented. Have you ever thought about teaching overseas? On Friday, Mr. David Gentry shared pictures of Bangkok, Thailand. The pictures were amazing. Teachers contract for two years because the first year they are getting used to the cultural differences, and the second year they are more comfortable. Many teachers stay for five or six years. Interestingly, the school in Honduras is in need of a 3rd and 4th grade teacher right now as well as a full-time substitute teacher. What a unique opportunity this could be!

Our education students spoke with these representatives to find out about current and future openings. If you're thinking about teaching, God may direct you to an international school. As you plan to become a teacher, keep in mind that there are many different types of schools or educational settings - public and private schools in the United States, charter schools, homeschooling, tutoring, and international Christian schools are some of the options. As you prepare to become an educator, be open to where God may lead you.