Student Experience: HU’s Department of Education
For anyone who thinks the role of an educator is easy, try to be a substitute teacher in a kindergarten classroom for a day. It’s not all coloring pages and snacks! Having experienced six-year-olds' two-second attention spans and impressive ability to get extremely dirty, I can tell you: Education of any age is not for the weak. Thankfully, if you are passionate about education and developing the minds of the next generation, the Huntington University Department of Education is fully equipped to prepare you for teaching. I spoke with senior mathematics education major Jessi Gerke about her experience.
1. Why did you choose education as your major?
“I have been involved in overseas missions since I was seven years old. Working in classrooms of different cultures drew me to teaching at a very young age. In high school, I also had the opportunity to be taught by some fantastic teachers. I want to teach so that I can provide the same opportunities and impact other students like these experiences impacted me.”
2. Where do you see yourself in the future as an educator?
“I see myself moving back to my hometown area and finding a job in one of the surrounding communities. I plan on being a high school math teacher. I am not too picky about the content area, but eventually I plan to earn my Master of Business Administration degree so I can teach dual credit calculus classes.”
3. How has the HU Department of Education prepared you to empower and equip your own students?
“Walking into the Department of Education classroom always feels welcoming. Any professor there, [Dr. Melanie Park, Director Tyanne Bailey, Dr. Shoshannah Hernandez, and Coordinator Kajsa Averill], genuinely cares about you. This is evident in all of their teaching. Dr. Melanie Park was named ‘Teacher of the Year’ in Indiana, and she has been incredible to learn from. They all have taught me more than just how to teach: They have taught me how to individualize each of my students and just how important it is to have relationships first.”
4. What is your favorite memory from your experience in this major?
“My favorite memory is all the education friends that I have made along the way. I love getting to watch all of us develop as teachers.”
5. What is one thing you wish people knew about the Department of Education?
“I wish people knew about Popcorn Friday each week, which is in the Office of Education in Loew-Brenn Hall!”
HU’s Department of Education prepares their students to be caring, informed, and empowered educators. If you are interested in teaching, check out HU’s Department of Education page for more information.
