Teacher Assistant: For four summers in high school, I volunteered in a second grade classroom at Summit View Elementary. I worked with the students individually and in small groups on reading, writing, math, and computer skills. I helped the teacher with any projects that she needed help with. I completed about 25 hours each summer. It was a great experience to be in the classroom with students helping out wherever I was needed. As my first real experience with a group of students, it proved to me that I truly do want to be a teacher.
Research Volunteer: During the STEM summer camp, I participated in a research study concerning a new teaching strategy called Culture of Care. I used the strategy throughout the camp, during class but also in activities. At the end of each week we sat down and discussed how it worked and how the students reacted to it. This restorative justice strategy focuses on the students being involved in their learning. Their culture is constantly used, and any punishment or reward is used to let them know what they are doing well and what they need to improve on. By allowing every student to talk and be heard, they have a voice in their education, which is what makes all the difference.