Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools
Every year, Sheridan High School seniors have the opportunity to apply themselves in a work-based learning environment. Some students even choose to work in Sheridan Community Schools.
This fall semester there are five seniors working, learning, and teaching at Sheridan Elementary School: Bella Prater, Meredith Krupp, Elisabeth Henderson, Abby Moistner, and Jasmine Pettit. Several of these students have the goal of becoming a teacher, so they are using this opportunity to practice and experience the job of a teacher every week.
Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools
Prater and Krupp shared their experience so far this school year.
Prater works specifically with children with disabilities and their daily routine in the classroom. She works one-on-one and hands-on with the students by reading with and to them, helping them with their craft or motor skill tasks.
“I am really enjoying watching the kids grow in their skills every day,” Prater said. “It is inspiring seeing their little but huge accomplishments every day.”
She also shared that this experience has helped her realize the patience teachers have and how to adapt to a “non-traditional” classroom. She has realized how much teachers do to make their classroom inclusive and not to base the lesson or teachings on just one student, but all the students.
Similarly, Krupp works one-on-one with students by helping them with reading or learning a new concept. She works in the before school program and in a traditional classroom. She helps the students with their routines and being prepared for the day ahead, too.
Krupp said that she has enjoyed learning about each student individually and being able to build a relationship with each of them which has created a trusting and lasting relationship. She said she has learned “that every student is very different and learns best in different forms,” a vital lesson that every teacher knows and understands.
Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools
Krupp also added that teaching has never been something she initially was interested in doing, but this experience has inspired her.
“Working with these students opened up my mind to the thought of pursuing this as a future career,” Krupp said. “I love starting my mornings by hearing all kinds of stories and it really does make it hard to have a bad day when I am there!”
Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools
The hands-on learning experiences that Sheridan High School offers is a great way for seniors to get a head start in their future career. It provides them with an unforgettable experience that they will carry with them wherever their life takes them.
