Aspiring teachers head to the front of the class

Fourth grade Washington Elementary School lead Teacher Joan Campbell, right,
works with resident Teacher Patricia Aguilar as the pair prepares to co-teach together.

GSU Alternative Certification Program teacher candidates and
Karen Peterson, front row second from right, coordinator of special projects
for alternative certification and induction mentoring at GSU, meet at
Dolton West Elementary District 148 to discuss their work
at Riverdale and Washington schools.

More than a dozen aspiring educators are joining some existing Dolton West Elementary District 148 teachers in classrooms at Riverdale and Washington Elementary schools this year. This one-year, non-precedent setting initiative being offered through Governors State University’s Alternative Certification Cohort program gives participating resident teachers the chance to pair up with lead District 148 educators in Grades 3 through 6.
District 148 Induction/Mentor Coordinator Michael Hurst said the program will benefit everyone: prospective teachers, experienced educators, and students.
Each resident teacher will receive on-the-job experience and a nominal, annual salary, paid from the district’s Title I funds.
They also will be able to receive their initial teaching certificate after this school year ends – saving them at least three years of teaching preparation time, according to District 148 Superintendent Dr Jayne E. Purcell.
“Best of all, this program allows our students to get the additional instructional support they need for academic achievement,” she said. “Our quality teaching and administrative teams at both Washington and Riverdale schools embrace this opportunity and we are confident the co-teaching experience will have a positive impact on our children.”
Karen Peterson, coordinator of special projects for alternative certification and induction mentoring at GSU, said this is the type of resident teacher program U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has been promoting across the country.
All participating lead and resident teachers interviewed each other and submitted the names of their top choices of who they wanted to be matched with in the classroom.
Resident teachers will begin their work in classrooms on Monday, September 28th. Eleven are assigned to Washington School and four will be at Riverdale School.
Washington School sixth grade Teacher Brandyce Wiggins said she is excited about the program’s possibilities and the fresh, creative ideas, approaches and exposure to other cultures the teacher candidates will contribute.
“I really appreciate having a qualified person in my classroom to help diversify my instruction,” said Wiggins, a 15-year veteran teacher.
Each of the GSU adult students involved in the program has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in another field of study, many have experience as substitute teachers, and all are now working to complete the requirements necessary to become full-time educators.
Purcell said she is impressed by the caliber of the teacher candidates and the various professional backgrounds they bring to the schools.
George Haas of Hickory Hills left his job at a local newspaper last year and looks forward to starting a new career as a teacher.
Haas said he went into journalism because he “wanted to make a difference” and he has the same ambition for teaching.
A Gary native and Matteson resident, Leonard Brown has worked as a school district business manager and as a principal but now he wants to join the teaching ranks.
“I have done everything there is to do (in education); other than teach,” he said, adding, “This was my first love as a young child.”
Brown said he hopes to gain knowledge and experience in the best practices of teaching and learning. He also wants to create engaging classroom experiences, to set high academic and behavior expectations for students, and make learning fun.
As a mom, Stephanie Sanford said she was often critical of education and now feels “compelled” to become a teacher.
“I’ve gotten this far, I want to keep going,” the Matteson woman said.

Lead District 148 teachers and resident teachers from Governors
State University’s Alternative Certification Program interviewed
each other before they made their top choices of
who they wanted to be matched with in the classroom.

From left, District 148 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Patricia Moore,
Washington School Principal Joy Chase, RtI Data Analyst/Administrator Liaison and
21st Century Grant Coordinator Cynthia Marks, District 148 Superintendent Dr. Jayne E. Purcell,
and Riverdale School Principal Dr. Kathy Conroy address incoming
resident teachers during a meeting at the district office.

Riverdale School third grade Teacher Colleen Healy
participates in interviews with teacher candidates.

GSU Alternative Certification Program resident Teacher George Haas
is co-teaching fifth grade at Washington School.

Resident teachers Suzzanne Arnold, left, and Tanya Alexander, at right,
meet with Riverdale School lead Grade 3 Teacher Jackie Garwood, center.
Arnold and Alexander are co-teaching in third grade this year.

Lead Teacher Monica White, left, and resident Teacher Jim Freidag
are teaching together in fourth grade at Washington School.

Lead and resident fourth grade Riverdale School
teachers Heather Wulf-Conley, left, and Bernadette Roddy
do some planning for their classroom.