Motivation and Resources a Deciding Factor for Aspiring Educator:  I knew that I wanted to go back to school, but I did not want a degree that didn’t lead to a career. I knew that I really wanted to work with children and thought about becoming a teacher. Becoming a teacher gives me a preferred schedule without many late nights and I knew there would be jobs by the time I graduated from the ESE program. After doing research, I decided to attend SPC due to the low tuition costs, flexible class schedules, WOW program recommendation and close proximity to my home.  All the resources I would need to be successful.

In order to be eligible for scholarships through WOW, students must apply through the foundation, have their MLP completed, cumulative GPA of at least 2.8, be a degree seeking student, attend at least 6 SPC workshops/WOW meetings and volunteer at least 20 hours a semester. It sounds like a lot but most students are eligible.  I joined my second semester attending SPC. Ever since joining I have been attending meetings at the Clearwater campus and Seminole campus, volunteering to remain eligible for scholarships and representing WOW at community events.  All great opportunities!

I have received several scholarships that have allowed me to attend college full time in order to graduate with my Bachelor’s Degree in four years start to finish. WOW has also

completed my wardrobe with several full suits, jackets, pants, blouses and dresses. WOW gave me my entire teacher wardrobe and Rosemary (WOW staff) knows I love my “teacher cardigans.”

In addition to scholarships and textbooks, WOW has chosen me as one of their Christmas families. WOW donors (community members, SPC staff, former WOW graduates) are given a WOW student. They supply the student and her family with a Christmas. This was beyond anything that I ever expected and I am very thankful to the people that made it happen.

Several people have made a difference during my time at SPC.  Mrs. Crumbley at WOW made me feel very welcomed and always  looked out for all of her students. Rosemary and Ms. Mary at the Clearwater WOW office always welcome me by name.

Evelyn Madera at Seminole SPC welcomed me into her office and sought out resources for me many times. WOW was the deciding factor to stay at SPC for my Bachelor’s Degree; I still feel like this was the best decision I ever made!

In the College of Education, getting to know my professors has been very easy. Our classes are very small compared to universities so my professors know me by name. Dr. Hoeh and

Dr. Dupoux in the ESE department always offer great advice for being out in the field. I know that I can go to their office hours and they have always made time and motivated me. Dr. Biggs has been just the best professor and I have had her for all my RED (reading) courses. I feel very prepared after her class to teach students that are at every reading level. She chose me as one of her summer

tutors for Ready Set Read during my junior year. Dr. Santos and Dr. Hoeh have been excellent resources for preparing for the Pro Ed with their Pro Ed training course (passed it on the first try!) Opportunities and resources!

Dr. Santos  answered all my questions on preparing for teaching in Florida. Since this is SPC,  all the resources are  complimentary. Dr. Brodney gave me excellent feedback on my actual lesson plans that I taught in class and in the field. Now going into my second practicum and senior year, I feel very prepared to teach.  So look out for me Spring 2017 when I graduate!

Dr. Errol Dupoux

Classroom basics for pre-service teachers

Pre-service teachers are students who are under the supervised guidance of a cooperating teacher and gradually introduced into a teaching role. Her are some basic guidelines for you to follow to help you get the most out of your supervised training:

• Student teachers should act accordingly, as you are a guest in the supervising teacher’s classroom.
• Having a positive attitude will make a difference to all you are in contact with – students, other teachers, administration and parents.
• Student teachers should observe the cooperating teacher – remember that you will never know everything,  and if you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation.
• Pre-Service teachers are professionals – in punctuality, in your choice of attire, your demeanor – schools are typically conservative.
• Watch what you say and to whom– be respectful, and don’t gossip.
• Students please plan ahead and be prepared. You can’t be too prepared, so have a “Plan B”.
• Every day may not be “ideal”.  Preservice teachers will learn and grow from ALL of their experiences, good and the ones that “never seem to end”.
• Teaching can be the most rewarding and most challenging career around, and its tough work.
• Not only do the classroom students need to listen, so do you. Always try your best to develop a good relationship with your cooperating teachers, other instructors, parents, students and staff.
• If you goof, which everyone does, apologize quickly – everyone has a bad day and makes mistakes.

COE Instructors Give Their Most Important Tips

“Learn to be a sponge and observe as many teachers that you are able. Take note of quality teaching techniques and skills to adopt for your own classroom. Once you enter the profession, your opportunities to observe other teachers diminishes.  Remember, copying is the best form of flattery.”

–  Jennifer Lechner

“Read through all directions carefully. Ask for help if you don’t know how to do something.”

–  Melissa McAllister

“Dress for the job that you want, not the one you have. You’re not ‘one of them’ yet! Someone said ‘Good teachers borrow – great teachers steal.’

–  Cher Gauweiller

“Join a professional organization and get as involved as possible. Also, create a support system (at least one who can serve as a mentor).”

– Andrea Kelly

“Notice what you want to increase.  ‘Walk, please.’  vs ‘Stop running!’ Tell students what TO DO rather than talking about what they are doing wrong.  Whatever you are giving attention to will increase; be sure you are paying attention to positive behaviors or describing positive behaviors.  This simple strategy can change the tone of your room!  The students will be clear about what is expected and the teacher will spend more time on positives rather than on negatives.”

– Sue Blanchard

The College of Education has updated their Infographic Assessment Data URL with our new URL www.spcollege.edu/energized4ed .

The Info-graphic highlights SPC faculty, students and staff:

1. Activities
2. Events
3. Personal achievements

Noteworthy personal stories, pictures and videos, along with some data makes our site more user friendly and gives potential students a snapshot of who we are and what we have to offer.

College of Education data

St. Petersburg College’s Teacher Education Program boasts that 100% of employers would hire another program graduate and the program costs less than half of the price of state universities.

Furthermore, SPC offers seven programs in pre-service education with a range of subject areas and grades. This allows the student to focus on specific areas of interest in teaching and learning to empower diverse communities. SPC’s program offers many student-centered benefits such as flexible scheduling, an enriched classroom-based experience, professional development and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.spcollege.edu/education.