The Long Beach City College reading department is hosting a series of education teaching workshops for students interested in becoming educators.
During the September 4 workshop students were led in room L-175 by teacher preparation Coordinator Megan Kaplinsky, who emphasized the importance of field-work experience.
“What we have found is that students that have early field-work experience are better able to choose a pathway and stay on that pathway,” said Kaplinsky.
A student that is hands-on in the classroom will better understand the profession and able to make connections between concepts and practice.
Second-year student Ellice Armstrong was among those in the workshop and is working to become a special education teacher.
“This program offers a lot more than I could have ever expected. I like that there’s a lot of opportunity,” said Armstrong.
The reading department offers an associate in arts degree in elementary teacher education for transfer.
Students who may be unsure or are curious about the field of education would benefit greatly from these workshops.
“I would encourage them to go to an orientation like this one to be inspired and to see what this program has to offer,” said Armstrong.
This program offers students the opportunity to be assigned to an elementary school where they can experience what it is like to work in a classroom environment.
LBCC student Emily Huerta is interested in teaching elementary said, “I am excited to go and actually get involved with the students in the elementary school”.
Huerta was not convinced on becoming an educator until she met Kaplinsky, who influenced her to believe in the power of collaboration making her excited to become an educator.
“Your peers and mentors encourage you and give you words of wisdom,” said Huerta.
Students interested in the education program are encouraged to attend the workshop on October 1 at LAC, Quad E at 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and October 2 at PCC from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m..