I have finally figured out how I can change the world for the better–through educating and inspiring young minds. Cheesy, but true.
I am a 31 year old student pursuing an Elementary Education degree at UNO with a concentration in STEM or Science Technology Engineering and Math. I chose that concentration because my adviser told me there weren’t many women with a STEM endorsement. I also decided I should probably become the president of NE STEM 4U for good measure and am obsessed with encouraging young women that science and math are actually really fun.
I’m always looking for new opportunities to gain teaching experience. Here are some places I’m currently involved.
School/Professional Life
School
-I am currently student teaching in a 3rd grade classroom in Papillion Lavista Community Schools through the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I graduate May 2019!
-My concentration is in STEM or Science Technology Engineering and Math. I never grew up thinking I LOVED these things (possibly because of gender norms?), but I really do enjoy math and learning new things in the science realm. I was also going for a dietetics degree (I am fascinated by food science and nutrition–something I can hopefully bring to the classroom) a few years ago which involved a lot of science!
-I also have an Associate’s degree from Metropolitan Community College in Applied Science.
-I’ve completed 3 semesters of practicums and I have loved all of my kids. It’s so hard to leave…so sometimes I go back and visit!
Work/Extracurricular
-I will also count my student teaching under “work” because it’s definitely a 40+ hour a week commitment. I am learning an incredible amount from my teacher, my students, my principal and my district. Currently I have taken over the curriculum/teaching for the subjects up to lunch and the goal is to be teaching everything for the month of April. It is exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 🙂 #bekind
-I have a fellowship with NE STEM 4U and was appointed President last year. I had only been a part of the organization for a year, so this was quite a surprise and honor.
This fellowship involved about 15-20 hours of work each week along with mentoring 1-2 times per week at the disadvantaged schools we partner with. We did lots of fun STEM based projects to get kids excited about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as well as getting them interested in going to college. I sadly had to leave due to student teaching, but I still attend social events with the members!
Learning about crustaceans with NE STEM 4U.
-I work/worked at the UNO Child Care Center on campus which has been a great learning experience for me. During the school year we work with toddler to preschool age children and in the summer, some of the older siblings join us as well.
I told the students I was leaving because I’m not sure if I will be back this summer. They made me a giant card and I cried.
-I nanny occasionally which reminds me of how much I can’t wait to have kids of my own AND how grateful I am to get to go home and still have time to myself without all of the responsibility. 😉
If you’re curious about anything else, you might want to check out what I’ve been up to the past few years in my About Amanda + Her Blogs to see what led up to my decision to go back to school for Elementary Education.
You can also contact me if you have questions. 🙂
Updated:
2-17-19 (updated about student teaching)
11-9-17 (updated about practicum and added pictures)
10-4-17 (updated current practicum and positions)
2-27-17 Created