Teaching takes a step out of the classroom

Whether practicing word wall words and making crafts with first graders, or teaching how to analyze a story for eighth graders, the Cadet Teaching class allows students to get actual experience in a career that may decide your future.

For senior Jami Simcox, the class gives her a chance to see how it really feels to help out a fourth grade class. This class is giving her the opportunity to decide if that is the right path for her future. While Simcox helps in her fourth grade class, the teacher helps her  by showing her different teaching techniques and ways of handling that specific age group.

“If other students think they want to be a teacher, then this class can show you if you actually want it or not,” Simcox said, “You may think it is fun in teaching elementary school kids, but you would be surprised at how much work there really is.”

Senior Kaci Hardwick is on her way to becoming an elementary school teacher as she applies for Ball State in hopes of getting into the teacher college. The experience is helping Hardwick get hands-on practice.

“This class lets me interact with the students and experience things in real life, instead of studying and reading from a book in normal classes,” Hardwick said.

First grade teacher and former participant in the Cadet Teaching class Natalie Huber feels the class is a great opportunity for students to see if teaching is the right choice for them.

“First of all, I loved the class, and it is a great way to get hands on experience in a specific career, and it is better to have an idea of what you want to do before you jump into college with no idea,” Huber said.

Instead of reading from a book or getting lectures from teachers, the Cadet Teaching course allows students to shadow teachers and understand what it really takes to be a teacher. The class is every day during blocks three and four, which let students create relationships with the teacher and students. Because of this and the unique class setting, it just may be the right class that could spark a new future life decision.