This post was contributed by: Dr. Laurie Kingsley, University of Missouri & Dr. Nissa Ingraham, Northwest Missouri State University
We didn’t plan to move to online student teaching, but as teachers know, sometimes challenges become opportunities for new learning to occur. I think one of the most important lessons learned has been how the online transition has highlighted a few of the many inequities in education that are often hiding in our blind spots. Hopefully we use our new understandings to impact how and what we teach, and hopefully this has opened societies eyes to some discrepancies in how schools are funded and who has access to resources.
Here are some of the valuable takeaways shared by student teaching interns at Mizzou:
“I learned that sometimes you have to step back and realize that completing an assignment is not always a top priority. Some of these students are in families that are struggling to feed themselves and keep their houses without a job. Some families are overwhelmed with trying to work from home and have kids at home…While getting an education is highly important, making sure the students are okay mentally and getting their needs met during this time is more important.”
Megan Nothdurft
“I learned that is important to talk about what is going on in the world and to let students have an opportunity to talk about their feelings. Each person handles challenges differently, and being able to talk about it can help everyone process their emotions during tough times. Although education is a very important aspect of student lives, students’ emotions are equally important and if they don’t have an opportunity to express their emotions, they will not be able to learn, whether it is in the classroom or at home.”
Ellie Ludens
“As we shifted to an online environment, the importance of presence was reiterated. Being present for kids, investing in their lives even if we cannot see them in person, is foundational for their own investment into their education. Student teaching is an experience intended to sharpen skills and provide opportunities to fail so that we can learn and grow ourselves. Something much more comes out of this experience… a lesson that will be used throughout our whole career. The importance of compassion and understanding has to be at the core of what I do as a teacher. Schools aren’t meant to be factories that produce the workforce of the next generation.”
Ben Moore
I learned how important schools and teachers are. I have always wanted to be a teacher because I want to make an impact on children’s lives. This situation made me realize that I will impact students in many more ways than just helping them learn. Although I am incredibly disappointed that I did not get to complete my student teaching in the classroom, I have never been surer of my decision to become a teacher.
Joey Laurx
This year has been nothing short of interesting. While it didn’t turn out the way we planned, I wouldn’t change it. I have learned so much from this situation, including how hard teachers work to make sure their students have everything they need, even a meal.
Gabbi Mallard
From the thoughts of an elementary principal who has practicum students in her building during this COVID era:
Our teachers pride themselves on being able to meet their students’ and families’ needs and during this COVID-teaching-time, doing that has been more difficult. “It is difficult to provide equitable experiences based on individual family needs, access to technology, or knowledge of how to use technology, and the impacts this has on each individual’s mental health.” “Teachers and families are working overtime to do the best they can.” Monitoring student progress and needs is seeing an overhaul, with teachers using new methods. It will be interesting to see how this will impact education as we move forward.
Elementary School Principal