Haley Shedden says she has wanted to be a teacher since the first grade, but the BGSU middle child education major says the news around teachers leaving the profession is concerning.
“It definitely makes me nervous and discouraged at times, but I have to keep reminding myself of why I want to be a teacher,” she said. “I know that the kids are not the same, but that means that they need good teachers that much more.”
From job shadowing to student teaching opportunities, Anthony Wayne Local Schools is doing its part to help inspire the next generation of teachers.
Shedden is one of 31 student teachers placed at AWLS. She is working in both Robin Buffy and Katelyn Schwerer’s classrooms at Waterville Primary. She said she’s thankful for getting to serve in two classrooms because it’s allowing her to work with a variety of students and learn how to meet the different needs of all types of learners.
“The most eye opening part is seeing the impact of student to teacher relationships and how effective it is in managing and controlling a classroom, “ she said.
She said while she is grateful for her student teaching experience, she wishes she had more opportunities to spend learning from other teachers.
“I truly believe that everything you learn about teaching occurs in the classroom,” she said. “
BGSU is working to give education majors more chances to see what it really means to be a teacher.
AWJH hosted BGSU freshmen on November 15 and 17, as a part of the college’s initiative to increase field placements and expose them to a broader range of school cultures, learning environments and teaching styles.
“Not only is it good for them, it’s good for us,” said Dr. Brad Contat, director of Human Resources. “The more we can mentor and encourage future educators, and the more relationships we can build with local colleges, the easier it becomes to find candidates to fill open positions.”
Shedden, whose goal is to teach math or science at the middle level, said that while she did not choose her field placement location, she would have selected AWLS if given the chance.
“This school district is a great fit for me because they align with a lot of my core values as an educator and they have such an amazing community of staff that make it the most supportive environment to work in,” she said.
For Shedden and other aspiring teachers, AWLS staff are making a difference in the field of education by mentoring and leading others and contributing to a positive school culture. Thank you.
