Catherine Dangel's "Final Reflection Essay"

     Starting in the 2021 Fall Semester, I became a tutor in the Lakeland STARs tutoring program affiliated with elementary students from Paint Branch Elementary School. Guiding my student through her academics, I learned things myself that will influence my future career as an educator. Additionally, I was able to lead an informative lecture about the weather and a related Kahoot game at the end of the semester!
     Each Wednesday at 4:30 pm after tutor announcements, we would head into our breakout rooms, where we were able to tutor our assigned student through homework assignments at which they were struggling. After homework was complete, we would then complete a journal and sheet to track of their behavioral and academic progress throughout the year. At the end of the Spring semester, I also prepared and gave a presentation as an introduction to weather to all the STARs tutees and they were very receptive to the content.
     As referenced previously, the STARs tutoring program provided me with many memorable and essential experiences that reassured me that I am making the correct decision in becoming an elementary educator. Meeting with my tutee was always one of the highlights of the week as I could truly see the impact that I was making on her and her academic experience. I learned several teaching strategies, especially in the realm of mathematics, that I intend to implement in my future career. Being pushed to lead a presentation also enabled me to practice my ability to design a lesson plan to get through to students. I was able to get a glimpse into what I will be doing everyday in my classroom.
     I grew a lot as a person and academic during my practicum and the entire Science and Global Change Scholars Program. Learning about science myself has given me the confidence to teach future generations of students about certain important scientific topics, especially regarding climate change. I feel as though I can make a real impact as an elementary educator as thankfully this practicum and colloquium has reaffirmed my teaching goals and passions.

Last modified: 4 May 2022