Nov. 1, 2005 issue

I have been a substitute teacher, taught both elementary and secondary students in public and parochial schools, and am currently teaching special education in Van Buren schools.

About 10 years ago, when I decided to give back to the teaching profession, I chose Eastern Michigan University. It's rated among the nation's top teaching institutions and the students are just as highly rated.

It's the students who keep me teaching at Eastern. Sometimes I come in tired but, when I see them start interacting with one another and hear their wonderful questions, I am rejuvenated.

My students want to do well as teachers and are concerned about serving a more diverse student population than past students. My meat-and-potatoes course does just that. What they learn in my curriculum and methods class, they will actually use in the classroom.

There also is a lot of teamwork among the students. They informally develop a network of support with each other.

I originally taught on main campus for a while, but then moved to the Livonia location. The staff is just wonderful in Livonia.

The students and staff definitely contribute to how well I enjoy teaching here.

 

---