Student Credits the School of Education for Opportunities in Her Field

Shorter’s School of Education has earned a reputation for excellence among colleges and universities in the state of Georgia for preparing its teachers for careers in the classroom. “Shorter University has a job placement rate of 100 percent among our education majors. Typically, students line up jobs around the months of January or February during their senior year,” said Dr. Dana King, Dean of the School of Education and Associate Professor of Education.

Students majoring in education receive excellent training from professors who have years of teaching experience as well as training outside of classroom instruction. During the students’ senior year, they are afforded many opportunities that better prepare them for life in the classroom. All education majors are required to participate in a semester of student teaching. In addition, students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities like paraprofessional jobs and long-term substitute teaching opportunities to enhance their preparation for the classroom. This academic year, many seniors took advantage of these outside opportunities to further their classroom experiences.

Brynn Hall, a senior elementary education major, secured her mandatory student teaching assignment at West End Elementary School in Rome, Ga., where she gained classroom experience. During Hall’s student teaching, everyone at West End Elementary welcomed and supported her. “I am thankful that God called me to be one of the lucky ones to teach and help shape these little minds,” she said. Many students like Hall said the professors in the School of Education prepared them very well for the real-world teaching experiences and noted that the school has a positive reputation among educators in the community. Hall said, “My school (West End Elementary) raves about the student teachers from Shorter. I am so blessed to be a Teaching Hawk.”

During her student teaching, Hall focused her attention on her cooperating teacher to learn about teaching techniques, interaction with the students, and the day-to-day management of the classroom, as well as assisting the teacher in student instruction. Hall also observed other educators. She was encouraged by all the teachers she worked with because they gave 100 percent to their job and showed passion for teaching. Being surrounded by educators who loved teaching and focused on the positives of teaching was exciting for Hall.

With a job secured, Hall is focusing on getting her classroom ready and settling in as a full-time educator. Shorter’s School of Education has produced many successful graduates through the years, and Hall is happy and excited to be one of those. Upon graduation in the spring, Hall joins a group of successful alumni in the area to help further the lives of young children. She is thankful for the opportunity to learn at Shorter University and knows that has set her apart in the field. The School of Education has given multiple opportunities to students here at Shorter, and Hall is a great example of the success that has come from Shorter.

By: Mary Avis Casey