Facebook pixel
APPLY NOW +

In many ways, September is the month of new beginnings. The weather turns a little cooler, hinting that summer is waning and autumn has finally arrived. All across the country, students of all ages prepare to hit the books or begin student teaching as another academic year gets underway.

For many Keystone College education majors, September marks the time to begin their student-teaching experience, a critical component of their overall preparation to become professional educators. Before they enter the classroom, however, a week-long seminar conducted by the Keystone Education Department helps prepare them for what lies ahead in the coming months.

About the Student Teaching Seminar

During the recently concluded seminar, 12 Keystone students were introduced to some of the important classroom basics by top education professionals, including teachers and principals from local school districts. They discussed critical topics such as teaching techniques, educational technology, and teacher assessment. They also met with their supervisors to establish expectations for the coming semester.

“We want out students to be as prepared as possible as they begin this next step in their educational journey,” said Keystone Education Instructor and Student Teaching Coordinator Judy Sweeney. “By participating in this seminar for an entire week, they are able to develop a great foundation for what they will see when they enter the classroom as student teachers.”

The students appreciate advice from professionals in their field during the student teaching seminar.

“Student-teaching gives us an opportunity to apply what we have learned at Keystone, and it’s an emotionally-rewarding experience,” said Keystone senior Nicole Delevan, who will complete her student-teaching assignment in the Wyoming Valley West School District. “You learn to overcome challenges and to self-reflect often. Most of all, you learn to help your students in so many ways. Having this ‘real world’ experience puts everything into perspective. You can see everything you have been working so hard for fall into place.”

The student teaching seminar is just one important way Keystone prepares students to become successful teachers.

“We want our education students to have long and successful careers and professional teachers and administrators. This seminar is an important step in that process,” said Professor Sweeney.


Photo Caption:
Keystone College education students, professional teachers, and school administrators recently participated in a student- teacher preparation program. Students, their respective hometowns, and the school districts to which they have been assigned are:

First Row (from left): Kevin Sullivan, principal and presenter, Lakeland School District; Anna Vanderpool, Dallas, (Mountain View and Abington Heights); Shannon Anderson, Nutley, N.J. (Tunkhannock); Veronica Mahle, Scranton, (Scranton and Dunmore); Meghan McDonough, Scranton, (Scranton); Nicole Delavan, Forty Fort, (Wyoming Valley West; Leighan Noakes, Scranton, (Scranton, Mid Valley) Nancy Petalver, Clarks Summit, (Scranton).

Second Row (same order); Ryan Van Noy, Canton, (Troy Area, Canton Area); Phillip DeLong, New Albany, (Wyalusing Valley, Sullivan County); Greg Adams, principal and presenter, Montrose Area School District; Eric Olsommer, Hamlin, (Western Wayne); Matthew Lukachinsky, Sugar Notch, (Wyoming Valley West, Wilkes-Barre).