18 New Licensure Candidates Ready to Make Their Mark in the World
Wilmington College’s Education Department celebrated the successful completion of the student teaching component for 18 of its soon-to-be graduates by holding its semi-annual Student Teacher Reception April 22.
Each of the students — now officially known as licensure candidates — recognized a combination of their cooperating teachers, principals, superintendents and WC’s field experience personnel, many that were in attendance.
(ABOVE) Senior Jamie Blessing chats at the reception with, from the left, Ivy Price Ware and Deborah Elkins-Brown, cooperating teachers at John P. Parker School in Cincinnati, and Dr. Martha Hendricks, associate professor of education. Jamie, a middle childhood education major from Springfield, was offered a job at the Parker School, and will begin teaching later this year.
Dr. Erika Goodwin, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, said teaching is “unmatched” to any other profession. This year, she got to see the impact of teachers through the eyes of her six-year-old daughter, Emily, who is a first grader at Denver Place Elementary School in Wilmington.
“There’s a magic to that school,” Goodwin said, recalling that she attended Denver Place as a child. “My daughter loves her teachers.”
Goodwin told the soon-to-be teachers to never forget or minimize the difference they will make in the lives of their students. “As a teacher, you have such a lasting influence on your students,” she added. “Each one of you will have an amazing teaching journey.”
Dr. Michelle Beery, professor of education and area coordinator, said their professors would be here for them even after they graduate. “Teaching is more of a calling than a job,” she said.
Cooperating teachers were invited to share words of advice for the aspiring teachers.
Comments included: “Be positive. We’re in a profession where things are rumbling, tumbling and changing all the time.” “Do research — you want to be at the top of your game all the time.” “Never stop self-evaluating — every year, pick a goal of something to improve upon.” “Collaborate with each other — create your own professional development. Share ideas.”
Also, “Develop listening skills. Sometimes just sit back and listen.”
Other teachers said, “Love the kids like they’re your own.” “Build relationships not only with the children but with their parents.” “Make sure the kids know you truly care about them.” “Show you have compassion and have a heart for the kids.” “Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you shouldn’t let your kids know you care about them.”
Also, “Once you’ve built that connection, you will see them grow.”
“Find a way to get to know them.” “Show your students that you care. For some children, your taking one minute to listen to them might be their best minute of the day.”
WC's newest licensure candidates include: Jamie Blessing, Meredith Budde, Philiss Carkeek, Jamie Crane, Zoe Curry/Ballinger, Jessica Enochs, Jenny Geers, Laura Hawkins, Heather Jones, Tifani Leisure, Heather Mathews, Angela Phillips, Emily Regan, Jennifer Rineair, Chelsea Simpson, Jessica Stanfield, Mary Vidourek and Erin Wollett.
