Early experiences in education

by Renee Di Pietro staffwriter

Sophomore education majors are getting a taste of their major as they begin field experience every Wednesday, for 10 weeks this semester, a privilege that other colleges wait to allow in the major till later.

Michelle D' Ascenzo, a sophomore, began her first time student teaching this September. The experience made her recognize something new she never picked up on as a student in the classroom: all the work involved in teaching.

"I really love it," she said. "The days go by so fast and the children are so fun. There are a lot of things that I didn't notice before I started teaching. I never realized what was involved in teaching until this moment."

Jeanne Radicone, a junior, is double majoring in secondary education and special education. She loves her field experience this year more than she has ever in the past. Last year her field experience did not run as smoothly because the teachers she was working with were not cooperative. Now, she works with severely disabled students, ranging from 18 to 20 years old at Elwyn, Inc., a nonprofit human service organization for people with special challenges.

"I work with them on the simplest task, and when they get through it, it's amazing," Radicone said.

Radicone appreciates how the staff at Elwyn Inc. ,comes together as a team to create a healthy environment for the children and adults with disabilities.

"Wednesday is my most favorite day of the week," Radicone said referring to the staff she works with and the students. "We laugh all day long," she smiles.

Radicone sums up her weekly visits as "very chal-