P A G E 6 The COUGAR’S Byte
TUES/ FEB. 28 /12
ELECTIONS
University Center
THE SUBSTITUTE
Substitute teaching opportunities for Kean University students Rebecca Bowe
S
Staff Writer
ince the rise of the current national and global economic crisis, college students have been faced with increasing pressure to find work. With the job market declining while student debt piles up, it can be very difficult and stressful not knowing how the bills will get paid. However, a wonderful opportunity students can take advantage of is substitute teaching at their local elementary and high schools. Subbing can be a great way to make a decent living, build professional and interpersonal skills, and give back to the local community. Cynthia Sousa, a senior bilingual education/biology major is a substitute for the Elizabeth New Jersey School District. When asked about her experience subbing so far, she stated, “I chose to substitute because I figured it would help me experience what life in the classroom is really like. It’s definitely presented me with challenges is terms of holding focus and control in the class room, but student’s ‘acting u’” has given me the opportunity to build on my classroom management skills, as well as learning how to communicate with students.” Many do not know this, but college students with 60 or more credits and a 3.2 or above GPA are eligible to apply for a substitute teaching certificate. The standard pay for substitutes is approximately $75 a day [depending of the school, district and grade level] with subjects ranging from English, math, sciences, the arts [including both visual and performing], physical education, health, and more.
(continued from page 1) of funded groups, vice president of programming, vice president of Kean Ocean and treasurer have accumulated 56 credits, which include the credits in progress. Candidates for assistant secretary must have a total of 24 credits and have no more than 70 credits -which include credits in progress. Representative candidates must be matriculated students in the college in which they represent. Kean Ocean candidates must be full-time, undergraduate matriculated Kean Ocean students. Overall, students must have a minimum of a 2.50 cumulative grade point average at the time of submission. All applications are due no later than 2:00 p.m. SHARP on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Students must submit the application to the marked box in the office of student government located in the University Center room 321. Students can also apply online through CougarLink. The online elections will take place on Monday April 2, 2012. Polls will open at 9:00 a.m. through Tuesday April 3, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. via CougarLink. If students need more information or have questions please visit the office of student government, or speak with them directly at 908-7375190, or via e-mail at Stuorg@kean.edu.
Stephanie Martinez, junior communication/journalism major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.
Teaching certificates pertaining to specific subjects is helpful, but not required in terms of employment. Likewise, the broader the applicants experience is in multiple academic concentrations, the more competitive the applicant will be. To apply, the applicant must first go to the school district of their choice and ask for an application to teach in that district. After completing the written application, the student must go through various degrees of background checks. They must also get their finger prints taken and pay an initial fee for their certificate. These fees vary in cost depending on the certificate, grade level, and subject the applicant wishes to teach. “Substituting high schooler’s is the best way I’ve found to make an impact on a person’s life in such a short amount of time. For that class period, you have the opportunity to guide someone’s outlook on the future, and perhaps provide them with knowledge or an interest they didn’t know they had,” says Chris C. a senior psychology major at Kean, who is also a substitute history teacher at St. Patrick’s Academy in Elizabeth. Elana Youssef, a senior pursuing her Bachelors in biology and psychology, substitutes at St. Patrick’s Academy as well.She states, “I became a substitute because I wanted to do something that mattered and make a difference in society. Now that I’ve gotten a taste of teaching, I know how much I truly enjoy it and I’m so glad I have had this experience.” Those interested can visit http://www.state.nj.us/education/educators/ license/guide.pdf for more information.
Rebecca Bowe, sophomore theatre major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.
DANCING WITH THE STARS (continued from page 1)
But the dancers were not the only performers. The “show within the show” was a skit-by-skit tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After every two musical performances, actors would take stage, while an off-stage narrator would document the occurrences of that period of MLK’s life. In addition to the tribute, “the surprise dance competition” took place during the show’s intermission. At this point, audience members were allowed to march onto the dance floor, and strut their stuff -and the best dancer -- as deemed by crowd reaction -- was given a two-foot trophy. After the intermission’s conclusion, multiple fraternities performed step routines -- representing their colors. The men from Alpha Phi Alpha dominated, with a well-choreographed line routine, in which five members moved simultaneously, attempting to replicate the grace of a snake cutting across an open plain. Dancing with the Stars of Kean University was the ideal event. It combined school spirit, talent, and togetherness -- not only bringing the Kean community together, but also assuring that each individual in attendance -- performer or observer -enjoyed his or her evening. Michael Tomasino, senior English writing option major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.
PERALZA
(continued from page 8) with her residents, or on her own. Organizations such as the food bank, Habitat for Humanity, and Make a Child Smile are some of the community services that Perlaza is involved with. She also makes Christmas cards for the children of St. Jude’s Research Hospital, donates clothing to children in Colombia, sponsors bake sales for causes like Breast Cancer, and participates in the Autism and Aids walks. “I try to help my community as much as I can,” Perlaza states. Lambda Theta Alpha’s principles of unity, love, and respect are values that are interwoven into Perlaza’s daily life. “I find [those principles] in myself. I am very united with my family. I respect everybody in general because it’s the right thing to do. It’s what I live by.” When she’s not studying, volunteering,
V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT
or fulfilling her numerous other responsibilities, Perlaza’s down time means reading a good book. “I get so stressed with all my responsibilities that it’s good to get lost in a book,” she says with a grin. Her favorite book is Birth Right by Nora Roberts, for its themes of anthropology, criminals, and suspense. Because of her experiences as a Resident Assistant for freshmen, Perlaza advises that first years should “go out and be involved on campus because the campus is what you make it. To really experience [all the opportunities on campus] is such a great feeling.”
WOMEN'S SELF WORTH (continued from page 5)
the symbols that males may misinterpret that create a barrier for furthering a relationship, and body image were only a few themes amongst the intriguing conversation. The program began with a fun, easy exercise that had all in attendance depict or write phrases, objects, or moments that represented value to themselves or self-worth as a whole. Whether it were future goals and aspirations, quotes etched by monumental American philosophers, or even simple phrases that help them get through each day, the thoughts that were shared opened everyone’s heart and touched all. The ease of transition from topic to topic was so smooth it was reminiscent of old high school friends coming together and reliving the past. Only, this group was, for the most part, new to one another and what made it commendable was that, within this circle of people that were “unknown” to each other, the aura of comfort surrounded the discussion. From the overall interaction and feedback of the participants the program was an overall success. Kudos to all who made this an event to remember.
Jacqueline Giase, junior fine arts/ occupational therapy major, is a member of The Cougar’s Byte staff.
Steven Okine, junior communications and media studies major, is a member of The Cougar’s byte staff.
w w w. C O U G A R S B Y T E . c o m
S T AY C O N N E C T E D !
UNIVERSITY CENTER UC Info Desk P: (908) 737-5222 Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 12 a.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - p.m. UC GAME ROOM Monday - Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
9 a.m. - 11 p.m. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10 p.m. - 7 p.m. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
UC COMPUTER LAB Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Hours Subject to Change
Maxine and Jack Lane Center for Academic Success Monday - Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
9 a.m. -10:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Closed
Nancy Thompson Library
Monday - Thursday: Friday : Saturday: Sunday:
8 a.m. - 2 a.m. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Hours Subject to Change
GOURMET DINING SERVICES HOURS OF OPERATION
UPPERCLASSMAN RESIDENCE HALL (URH)
Dining Cafeteria Monday - Thursday............7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Breakfast.......................7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Lunch.............................11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner.............................4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday...................................... 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Breakfast.......................7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Lunch.............................11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner.............................4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday,...............................10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Brunch .........................10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner ...........................4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday............................... 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Brunch .........................10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner ...........................4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Please Note: The Dining Hall is open all day for the hours listed, the meal periods denote entree station availability.
UNIVERSITY CENTER (UC)
Food Court Monday - Thursday.............. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday...................................... 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday................................. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday ........................................... CLOSED Cougar's Den Monday - Thursday......... 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday....................................11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday - Sunday........................ CLOSED Market Place Monday - Thursday............9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday...................................... 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday...............................12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday..................................5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
NANCY THOMPSON LIBRARY Starbucks Monday - Thursday............8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday...................................... 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday................................. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday .................................. 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
MAXINE AND JACK LANE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (CAS)
Starbucks, 3rd Floor Monday - Thursday............11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday - Sunday............................. CLOSED Hours Subject to Change
HOURS OF OPERATION Mon.-Thursday.....................7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday.....................................7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat.-Sunday..........................................CLOSED Café YuMBA is located on the first floor of the East Campus building.
REGISTERO N L I N E