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Ready, Set,Teach!
n September, GHS students Valeria, Aneesa, Markeesha, Desiree, and Landon began visiting Edison three days per week and are gaining hands-on experience in the first grade classrooms. This program, also called ‘Ready, Set, Teach’ allows students interested in a future in education to work in small groups with younger students, focusing on reading and phonics. Both the first grade and high school students are already reaping the benefits of the program.
“This program is beneficial for both sides of the student/teachers relationship. Both will leave a forever impact on each other,” said GHS teacher Lexi Hughes. “I am so proud of the student teachers this year. They have exceeded my
expectations in the classroom.”
GHS first began offering the Education and Training pathway in the 2018-2019 school year. At the time, the courses offered were Principles of Education and Human Growth and Development. Last year, Instructional Practices was added to the program, which is considered an advanced level course and is taken subsequently in the pathway. Due to COVID precautions, this is the first semester the Ready, Set, Teach program has been able to take off fully. To prepare for their classroom experience, the RST students work to get activities together to support literacy for the young readers. Four of the students teach in English classes and one RST student teaches in the bilingual classes, each working with three students in a small group setting. “Desiree inspires my first graders to learn
through interactive activities. They love her time in our room working on learning objectives,” said Jamie Hogg-Bates, first grade teacher. Throughout the year, they have created games and activities to help engage the students in a variety of ways. “My students love Landon. They consider it a great reward to be able to work in his group and play the fun games he has prepared”, said Whitney Carden, first grade teacher. The small group work has greatly improved the young readers’ connectedness and dedication to learning. “My students love Markeesha! She always comes prepared, uses engaging activities to help fill in learning gaps, and is positive and friendly with her students. I have seen these students accelerate in their reading skills, and I know Markeesha has contributed to that growth,” said first grade teacher Jennifer Martin. The student teachers have become celebrities at Edison, getting smiles and waves in the hallways. We truly hope they return one day as teachers!
Winter 2021 • Gainesville SPOT SPOTlight light •
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