Dear PERB Panelists,
Four Years ago when I was a senior in high school I completed an internship in a 5th-grade science classroom, I had no intention of becoming a teacher but knew I loved not only forming connections with the younger students and watching them grow but also encouraging them to become excited about science- a subject I loved so dearly. I was excited (and incredibly nervous) to go to college, not knowing what the future would hold. Fast forward four years and I’m finishing my student teaching internship in a 5th-grade science classroom. A lot has changed in the past four years but what never changed was my love for science and for forming connections with my students.
As I think back on my time at Loranger Memorial School it was filled with growth and learning. I grew more than I thought was possible not only as a teacher but as a person. Throughout my time I enjoyed making my classroom and lessons an environment where students can take risks, make mistakes, and most importantly feel seen and heard. Many times as an introverted student in middle school I didn’t feel like I played a big role within the classroom and sometimes felt I flew more under the radar with my teachers. I at times felt less than because I was more introverted. I never want my students to feel like that, I always want them to feel like they play an important role and are valued no matter their personality type. Being more of an introverted person, I learned this is not a weakness of mine like many have told me in the past, this is a huge strength of mine. I can observe and notice any changes in behavior that may be a sign a student needs to be checked in with. I can quietly assess my class or a group’s needs before jumping in and offering a solution that will benefit and be mindful of everyone’s needs and wants. And I can
meet each student empathetically and be someone who can listen to them. A person like that is someone who I needed when I was in middle school all those years ago.
There’s been a lot that I’ve done the past four years outside of teaching that you won’t hear me talk about in my PERB, I’ve coordinated First-Year Orientation at the University, been a senior research lead in the Aquaculture and Conservation lab, became the Scholar Program Intern, ran a weekly trivia event, been a teacher assistant for aquaculture classes, and so much more. Those experiences, while not teaching-related, were just as important in helping me gain the skills I need to stand up in front of you and say confidently that I’ll be a great teacher. I’ve learned about communication, working on a team efficiently, leading with compassion, having hard conversations, and other invaluable leadership skills. I’ve used all those skills combined with my education knowledge in my classroom to be able to thrive in my placement. That’s not to say I didn’t make any mistakes because like I tell my students, mistakes need to happen for us to learn from them.
I think if you told my senior year of high school I would be here today I would have been shocked but I know part of me would’ve been thrilled. I cannot wait to tell you more about my journey this past few months and share with you my learning. Thank you for taking the time to help me complete this final step in the process of becoming an educator.
Sincerely,
Cassie McKiel
