Winter 2012 Partnership Magazine - College of Education Home ...

Jenna Haala
Graduate Program: Master of Science in Elementary and
Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in literacy
I am from New Ulm, Minnesota. My student teaching
was a unique blend of experiences in Guadalajara, Mexico
and LeSueur, Minnesota through Minnesota State University,
Mankato. Besides my major in elementary education, I have
a minor in psychology and a specialty in communication, arts, and
literature.
My goal as a teaching Fellow is to prove to students just how
valuable education is. It is important for my students to know that
Laura Januschka
Before my first day at Mankato West High School, I
knew I wanted to make my English class enjoyable for my
students. I believe building positive relationships and a sense
of community within the classroom are key aspects to teaching.
On their first day, to help foster positive energy, I decided
to play music as my students entered the room. Since then I
have played music each and every day. My musical selection varies.
Sometimes I play songs that relate to our lesson, but I mostly choose
upbeat songs. When it is a student’s birthday I put on a YouTube
“birthday mix” video. It is entertaining to see my students come in and
try to sleuth out whose special day it is. I believe the music has been a
success. I enjoy greeting them at the door and seeing their smiles, or
hearing them say, “I love this song!” as they enter the room.
Leaving my students with positive thoughts is just as important as
an inviting welcome. Therefore as my students are leaving, I make
Heather Jopp
My name is Heather Jopp, and I graduated from
Gustavus Adolphus College in the spring of 2011. I was
so excited to be offered a position at Franklin Elementary
School in Mankato, which I eagerly accepted. I’ve spent
the last couple of weeks preparing my classroom for the 4th
graders that will be arriving soon! It was very easy to get
my classroom ready because I didn’t have a lot of things to put up.
However, many teachers were willing to give me some posters or
bulletin board supplies to hang up, which I was very thankful for.
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher because I love working
with kids, and I love being in school. No matter what school I enter
I always feel comfortable and welcome, and I knew I wanted to
be a part of this community. As a teacher, I think it is important to
adapt your teaching style to your students’ learning styles. Each
child learns in their own way, and though it may be difficult at times,
Winter 2012 Partnership
what they are learning now, they will use for the rest of their
lives. I am working hard to give students extra encouragement
when they are struggling and confidence when they are
being challenged.
I am learning just as much as my students this year. Working
with my mentor and other Fellows has allowed me to
understand my teaching style better, gather new ideas, and
brainstorm solutions to new challenges. Along with teaching, I am able
to further my education, which has always been a personal goal of
mine. The school year has been filled with many “firsts” and I cannot
wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for me!
sure to tell them to have a nice day and make good choices.
I first learned about this powerful phrase during an undergrad
field experience at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I
was placed in Mr. Buttell’s middle school class. When I heard
him use the phrase I immediately loved the power it held.
He told me the saying might not sound like much, but you
never know the impact it could have on a student. Mr. Buttell’s
insights reminded me of a quote from Henry Brooks Adams who
said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence
stops.” Both of these men are the reasons why I start and end my
class the way I do. My hope is when a student is faced with a difficult
situation, somewhere in the back of his/her mind; s/he is reminded
to make good choices. That moment, that pause to think, shows the
influence one simple phrase can have. It has been a great beginning
at Mankato West High School. I look forward to the rest of an already
enjoyable year!
teachers need to differentiate or re-teach in an alternate way
to make sure all students are learning and succeeding in the
classroom. If you walked into my classroom you would see
students working in small groups or doing hands-on learning
for I think they learn best when they first are taught how to
do something but then doing it themselves and applying a
concept to real-life.
My goals for this year are to get to know each of my students
and to check in with them each day because I think developing a
trusting, caring relationship with your students will make it a better
year. I also want to make learning fun and go beyond what is in the
curriculum with activities and ways to teach. In addition to this, I want
to include music and books into any subject because I think they are
just a fun addition that will keep students interested and involved.
Overall, I hope to grow as a teacher in my first year of teaching and
find what works for me and what doesn’t.
Graduate Teaching
Fellows at Recognition
Dinner, Aug 2011
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