October 9th, 2007
Below, two of our student teachers describe their experiences teaching in Chicago.
From Rachel:
I’m student teaching at Jose Clemente Orozco Academy of Fine Arts and Sciences (affectionately referred to as Orozco). The school is located in Pilsen. Although I would love to have a few more minutes of sleep each day, I love the commute to Pilsen. I enjoy stepping foot in three very distinct and different parts of the city each time I make the commute. I have a class of 31 gifted and bilingual fourth graders, and they are all amazing! Other than my students, I have thoroughly enjoyed the many opportunities I have had to practice my Spanish with my students, their parents, and the other teachers in the school. Being a part of Chicago Public Schools has definitely been a culture shock; it’s very different here from anywhere else I have ever been. But I am constantly learning to embrace and work with the various different challenges of urban education! So far student teaching has been just as rewarding as it has been challenging!
Seventeen distinctive murals, designed by the faculty and students, reflect the cultural make-up of the community. These murals, formed out of nearly 2,000,000 colored cast glass mosaic tiles, incorporate scenes of contemporary American and Mexican culture, in addition to symbols of ancient Mexican history.
From KaleighI am at Peabody Elementary School in a 2/3 split classroom. During a typical day, I help out my teacher with daily routines, and work back and forth between the 2nd and 3rd grades. It has been very hectic, but generally a very good experience! I am teaching a unit for Hispanic Heritage month right now, and the students seem to be really enjoying it.
October 9th, 2007
This fall our students have another amazing collection of internships; a couple of their comments are below.
Their sites include the Department of Children and Youth Services for the City of Chicago, the Hyde Park Herald, The Oriental Institute, Community Television Network, Third World Press, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, O-H Partners, North Park Conservatory, Stroger Hospital ER, Jane Adams Hull House Assoc/Alcott School Program, McCormick Tribune Company and Sunlight African Center.
Ashley writes:
“I am working at the Department of Children and Youth Services under Azim Ramelize. I chose this placement because of the opportunities I felt it would offer. Azim is currently planning a big event for October 6, Youth Justice and Empowerment. This is designed to help make kids aware that if they have a record, it can be expunged. Part of this event involves a photography exhibit done by 30 students. I will be allowed to work with photographer Eric Werner to finalize plans for the photos. I also liked the idea that I sit in on all meetings with Azim and through that, I will be able to network. One reason I decided to do the Chicago Center was because, realistically, I’m a senior and I want to work in Chicago after I graduate in May and I felt it would be the best way to get my name out. So far I am happy with my placement. I have been put in charge of coordinating the volunteers for October 6, as well as iron out last minute details for that event. ”
Kari writes:
“My internship is through Hyde Park Herald doing interviews with residents in public housing and helping design the direction of this research project. I chose it because it applies both to sociological research and journalism.”
From Kaleigh