Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Lycoming College student teachers shine in local classrooms

Lycoming College student teachers shine in local classrooms

Students who completed their student teaching experience this semester include: Photo back row, from left: Matthew Neff, a senior chemistry major from Sunbury, Pa.; Christopher Raupers, a senior psychology major from Waverly, N.Y.; Jennifer Walter, a non-degree student earning her certification in secondary math and special education from Montoursville, Pa.; Sean O’Malley, a senior history major from Montoursville, Pa.; Blake Bowman, a senior history major from Valley View, Pa. Front row: Clara Grube, a senior mathematics major from Trucksville, Pa.; Emily Feld, a senior psychology major from Succasunna, N.J.; Cara Brooks, a senior psychology major from York, Pa.; Sydney Mackey, a senior psychology major from Beech Creek, Pa. Photo courtesy of Marlene Cauley.

Download Image: Web

Education students at Lycoming College discussed the joys and challenges of their spring teaching experiences at an open house held on campus last month.

“Student teaching helps these up and coming educators experience the thrills of seeing a diverse group of individuals thrive under their leadership and gives them the practical know-how of adapting to their students’ individual learning styles and emotional needs,” said Rachel Hickoff-Cresko, Ed.D., chair and assistant professor of education at Lycoming College.

The student teaching experience was augmented at the end of the semester by a networking session with local educators who held mock interviews. The interviews and subsequent feedback sessions provided the Lycoming students with valuable advice that helps them prepare to enter the teaching field.

Educators participating in the event included: David Michaels, Jennifer Wahl, Laura Schmack, Brenda Watkins, Cathi Hanner, Rosellen Wenzel and Justin Ross from Williamsport Area School District; Carol Johnson, Linda LaCoe, Becky Leid, Ben Lorson and Kindra Brelsford from the Loyalsock School District; Jim Smith and Reed Mellinger Jersey Shore School District; Darrin Feerrar, Marc Haas, Ray Huff (retired) and Curtis Myers from the Montoursville Area School District; Ron Lorson from the East Lycoming School District; and Dave Reichelderfer (retired) from the Bald Eagle Nittany Area School District.

“The advice from working professionals during the interviews and feedback sessions is invaluable with helping them jump start their careers,” said Hickoff-Cresko. “We appreciate their continued support of this critical professional development activity at the end of every semester.”

Lycoming College staff members who organize the student teaching experiences, concluding presentations and interviews include: Hickoff-Cresko; Amy Rogers, Ph.D., certification supervisor; Courtney Dexter, Ph.D., assistant professor; Student Teaching Supervisors Marlene Cauley (elementary) and Melvin Wentzel (secondary); Kris Datres, placement coordinator; Jeff Moore, instructor of education; Jen Kuzio, instructor of education; George Henry, assistant women’s basketball coach; and Marilouise Mazzante, field observer.

Useful Resources