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Nichole S. - Senior Math and Science MCED student

My experiences in MCED have been nothing short of amazing. The people who I’ve gotten to work with have probably been my favorite part. My MCED professors are the best professors I’ve ever had. They all have first-hand experience in the field which has been so valuable to me. The other students in my block classes have become more like friends and family than classmates. I’m so thankful that I had them through the last few semesters.

What are you learning about being a MCED teacher?
Your students rely on you for so much more than just learning how to multiply and divide or write papers. Some days your most important role is supporting a 6th grader through their first break up or helping a kid deal with their parents’ divorce. It’s such a special group of kids that we deal with and they make it the most rewarding job in the world.

What do you hope your students can say about you as a teacher?
I hope my students say they always felt supported by me. I hope they feel like I genuinely cared about every single one of them and their learning.

Why do you teach in middle school?
Middle school is the age where I feel students decide to either hate or love learning. I want to be a part of this process and inspire kids to WANT to learn more about the world around them.

One more thing:
I’m a huge Cavs fan!!!

Brock B. - Senior Middle Childhood Education major

My areas of concentration are Mathematics and Science, and I am also pursuing the Generalist Licensure for Social Studies and English Language Arts.

What have your experiences in MCED been like?
During my time here at ºÚÁÏÍø like many I have actually changed my major twice. I originally started as an Accounting and Finance major, then changed my major to Integrated Sciences, and finally I decided I wanted to be a Middle Childhood Education Major. My decision to become a MCED major was truly the best decision I have ever made, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. I have been fortunate to be in a program with so many great people that are motivated to educate future generations. I have also been privileged to learn from so many wonderful professors that truly take pride in their area of study and are more than willing to go the extra mile for all students to ensure that we are all set up for success in our future endeavors and professional careers.

What are you learning about being a MCED teacher?
As a MCED teacher candidate I have been fortunate to have some of the best professors that I have ever had. All of these professors have so much experience in the education field, and each and every day they inspire me to be an educator even more. I have been able to take this knowledge and apply it in a classroom setting in order to develop a welcoming learning community. The most important lesson that I have learned in my time as a MCED teacher candidate is that students truly do want to learn, and students want more than anything for their teachers to show them that they care about each and every one of them and their learning.

What do you hope your students can say about you as a teacher?
I want to be remembered as a teacher that motivated students to break through the barriers and accomplish more than they knew they were ever capable of accomplishing. I want to be remembered as a teacher that challenged students and encouraged them to welcome new ideas. But most of all I want to be remembered as a teacher that supported all students and took pride in the learning of each and every student.

Why do you teach in middle school?
In my opinion young adolescents at the middle school level are the most fascinating age group to work with. I feel as though this is the age that students begin to "find themselves" and begin to develop into unique individuals. Because of this I think that educators at the middle school level are set up in a way to truly enable them to make a difference and impact the lives of students.

One more thing:
I am an avid Cleveland sports and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. I also hope that someday I will be able to share my love of sports by being a baseball coach at the High School level.

Ja'Nay Patterson - MCED Language Arts and Science, Senior

My experiences in MCED have been greater than I could have ever imagined! My professors, mentors, and field studies have greatly impacted my life and teaching tremendously.

As an MCED teacher I'm learning that your word choice with students is very important. Say what you mean, mean what you say.

I hope my students can say that as a teacher I have a great sense of humor, but still know how to get down to business.

I teach in middle school because I feel this is the most influential time in a child's life. At this age they're learning about themselves, what they like, who they are, etc. How awesome is it that I can not only be a great role model, but provide countless opportunities for them to grow and develop in a caring environment.

A couple fun facts about me is I love vintage clothes and colorful hair!