Student Teaching: Chicago
This past semester I have been working in Chicago completing my student teaching practical experience in the Chicago public school system. The Chicago Semester Program is affiliated with many colleges and other programs assisting students with their internships and other valuable experiences. Not only does it support student teachers but is also aligned with other majors such as social work, nursing, communications, psychology and other disciplines.
The student teaching experience primarily consists of students living in the Gold Coast district of Chicago and traveling to their different placements at schools around Chicago. This year however, due to COVID-19 restrictions a majority of the teaching has been done remotely with students going back into the classroom in the third quarter. Whilst this has been a strange experience it certainly has been an enjoyable one. It has been a pleasure to work with students in a professional capacity and apply the theory and skills we have gained from college. Of the experience Monmouth student and student-teacher Marina Muro states, “My student teaching has been an interesting experience given the circumstances. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to be working with a great cooperating teacher and great staff!”
Not only does this experience focus on our professional development but also provides some experiences for students that are unique to Chicago. The Chicago Semester program provides Pizza tours to the famous restaurants here in Chicago, trips to museums, parks and, bike rides just to name a few. All of these experiences here in Chicago have made the semester that more enjoyable and unique and something that I would not have the opportunity to do anywhere else.
Kieren Marshall - Staff Writer