The purpose statement
of Northland International University is to “prepare the next generation of
servant-leaders for Great Commission living.” Many Northland students have a
desire to carry on this purpose statement through Christian education.
The student
teaching program is the capstone of the education majors. Before graduating, each
of the students will spend nine weeks at a Christian school, working alongside
a seasoned educator. During five of those weeks, the student will fully teach
four classes. Through this experience, all of the classroom instruction they
received as a student becomes immensely practical.
Not only do the
student teachers have an opportunity to teach in the classroom but to invest in
the lives of their students. One of the most frequent comments received from
cooperating teachers is that Northland’s student teachers strove to
impact their students outside the classroom as well.
Below, two of
our student teachers shared their hearts with us about their experiences this
semester.
Heather
Torrey: Elementary Education Major
Where and what age group did you student teach?
I
taught second and third grade at Trinity
Baptist School in Williston, Vermont.
Describe
your experience.
I
loved teaching! The best part was getting to know each of the students on an
individual basis and interacting with them every day. Each day was different,
and there were so many funny things that happened! The teaching part was a lot
of work and stressful at times, but it was so rewarding to see the students
learning from the lessons I taught.
What
did God teach you during this time?
He
taught me to depend on Him for wisdom. There were so many situations that came
up, which I did not know how to handle on my own. God has all of the answers,
and I learned to depend daily on Him.
What
can you share with prospective students about your major?
Elementary
Education is a very practical major. Being a teacher is so much more than just
teaching lessons. It is a daily opportunity to be a godly role model for your
students and to disciple them in their walk with the Lord. Throughout my four
years here [at Northland], I have learned how to be an effective teacher and
also the importance of having a heart for my students. Miss Lincoln has been a
great example, and I am thankful for the lessons I have learned from her
through my education classes.
After graduation how do you plan on using your
degree in education?
I am planning to
teach in a Christian school for a few years and then eventually serve the Lord
on the mission field.
Jeanie Scott: English
Education Major, History Minor
Where and what age group did you student
teach?
I taught twelfth grade British
Literature, tenth grade Literature/Grammar, and seventh grade History at
Victory Christian School in Carmichael, California.
Describe your experience.
Overall, I had a great experience
teaching, but it was definitely challenging! Being a student teacher was hard,
busy, and overwhelming; however, it was exciting, new, and rewarding at the
same time! Also, my cooperating teachers truly invested in my life, yet they
allowed me to have freedom and creativity at the same time. I truly gained a full
perspective on teaching!
What did God teach you during this
time?
How can I summarize this? This was
honestly one of the greatest growing experiences in my life. To sum it up: I
NEED God in everything. I am not perfect; I will fail. But what matters most is
how I learn and change from that failure. Also, I must truly LOVE my students.
I don’t teach a subject; I teach students. It’s not about me; it is about them!
There is no room for selfishness in teaching.
What can
you share with prospective students about your major?
Northland has a well-developed English
education program. English is practical and adaptable, and, personally, I think
it is extremely interesting. The program is a lot of work, but it is well worth
it!
After
graduation how do you plan on using your degree in education?
As of right now, I plan on teaching in a
Christian school or teaching overseas. I would love to continue my education;
however, I want to gain some more experience before pursuing my master’s
degree.