Shorter Student Teachers Impact Local Schools

Student Teachers Impact Local Schools

Story by Casey Raschen Photos submitted by Nolan Reece, Celia Alvarado, and Madison Floerchinger

Shorter’s School of Education is one of the premier education programs in the state of Georgia, and its students are among the best future educators. Students enter the program at the beginning of their sophomore year and complete it after student teaching in schools in Rome or in the surrounding communities. Student teaching is one of the most significant components of the department as students put into practice what they have learned in the classroom. During their student teaching, students learn the daily tasks of teaching and how to interact with their students. Nolan Reece, a senior, secondary education major from Adairsville, Georgia, has always known he wanted to teach. He was surrounded by teachers his entire life because both of his parents were teachers. After graduation, Reece hopes to move back to Adairsville to teach and one day become the athletic director of the school district. Currently, he student teaches at Calhoun High School. Reece said, “Student teaching is much different than just being behind a desk; I see firsthand what it takes to be a teacher.” From early morning to late in the day, Reece not only watches but also participates in teaching students. Celia Alvarado is senior from Cobb County pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Currently, Alvarado is student teaching at Sonoraville High School. During her time at Shorter, Alvarado has loved the education and training she has received in all aspects of her life. Initially, Alvarado pushed back on becoming a teacher. However, as she saw God working firsthand in her life, it became evident that her calling was to teach. Alvarado said, “The most significant difference between being a student and being a teacher is the pressure I feel because these Nolan Reece, a senior students rely on me.” secondary education major, However, that pressure plans to follow in his parents’ drives her to be the footsteps and become a best version of herself teacher. for her students. Madison Floerchinger, a middle grades education major in Shorter’s new Master of Arts in Teaching: Pedagogy program, from Valdosta, Georgia, is living her dream of becoming an educator. Currently, Floerchinger student teaches at Lee County Middle School and feels she is living her dream. While at Shorter, Floerchinger credits the School of Education faculty for preparing her to teach, investing in her personally, and making her confident in herself as a future teacher. Reece, Alvarado, and Floerchinger are grateful for how the School of Education faculty invested in them. Because of the training and support these students have received, they all feel ready to tackle the world of teaching upon graduation.

Celia Alvarado, a senior music education major, believes God has called her to be a teacher. Madison Floerchinger, a middle grades education major in the new Masters of Arts in Teaching Pedagogy program, is living her dream of being an educator.