Fair Grove High School has had a multitude of student teachers over the years. This semester, Fair Grove has two current student teachers, Dalton Hicks and Brandon Jones, who are learning and preparing for the future ahead of them.
Coming from surrounding colleges in the area, student teachers join classrooms for the semester in hopes of getting hands-on experience in teaching. At first, student teachers just observe the classroom, paying attention to how teachers work and interact with students. Then, they begin teaching the class, allowing them to gain experience and work with students.
Joseph Florez, the Fair Grove English 1, Journalism, and Modern Novels teacher, described his student teacher Dalton Hicks, “Mr. Hicks has subbed and coached a lot, so he is already very comfortable being in front of students and speaking clearly and in an organized way that kids understand.”
Florez continued, “Mr. Hicks loves to read and write. He always has a book on his desk, and that sets the right tone for his students.”
Student teachers work hard, ensuring that they are well prepared before entering a field where they teach on a daily basis.
Cayse Overstreet, the Fair Grove Marketing Teacher, described how hardworking her student teacher, Brandon Jones, is, “He works hard to make sure he is prepared before teaching each day. He asks a lot of good questions and always wants to know how he can improve.”
Overstreet added, “He was hired by Branson High School to be their Business/Marketing Teacher, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Sponsor and assistant boys and girls soccer coach.”
Hicks explained his favorite thing about working as a student teacher at Fair Grove, “My favorite thing about student teaching at Fair Grove has been being able to incorporate myself into the amazing community that Fair Grove has cultivated. I enjoy interacting with students and learning about how different schools operate.”
Student teaching is an essential part of the learning process for future teachers, allowing them to not only gain experience but also ability to interact with students, communities, and schools that can be beneficial to them in the future.
