North Ridge High School
North Ridge High School
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During my student teaching experience in Family and Consumer Sciences, I had the opportunity to be placed at Northridge High School in Greeley, CO. Under the guidance of my mentor teachers, Joanna Fedor and Carly Engle, I worked with ProStart, Catering, and Design Seminar classes, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the classroom. Throughout the semester, I took full responsibility for both Catering and ProStart courses, while also leading a unit in Design Seminar.
Beyond the classroom, I actively participated in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings, staff meetings, the FCCLA district conference, and STEM/CTE department meetings. These experiences provided insight into the broader responsibilities of educators and the collaborative efforts required to support student success. I felt honored to contribute my ideas and be welcomed as a valued member of the team, despite being the newest addition.
This experience has strengthened my passion for teaching and deepened my understanding of the impact that educators have both inside and outside the classroom. My time at Northridge has been instrumental in shaping my approach to teaching, and I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and opportunities I have received.
Professional and Personal Impact:
Student teaching was a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. It challenged me to think critically about how to engage diverse learners and how to adapt my teaching methods to meet various needs. One of the biggest surprises for me was discovering the extent to which my personal values, such as my passion for community and service, align with my teaching philosophy. I found immense satisfaction in not just teaching academic content but in helping students develop life skills they could use in real-world situations. I also learned the importance of creating a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and growing together.
This experience also deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of teaching. I was fortunate to collaborate with a supportive group of colleagues who shared their expertise and wisdom, helping me refine my teaching practices. The hands-on professional development I gained, such as participating in the FCCLA judging and attending CATFACS events, was invaluable in shaping my understanding of the broader educational community.
Telling My Teacher Story:
Why do I teach? My journey to becoming an educator was motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives. I’m passionate about helping students discover their strengths and interests, particularly in the areas of food service, hospitality, and life skills. Through my experiences, I’ve transformed from a novice teacher into a reflective educator who is committed to continuously improving my craft. If I were to tell someone hiring me for a position, I would share my story of growth, my dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging classroom, and my desire to inspire students to see the possibilities within themselves and the world around them.
Moving forward, I will carry with me the lessons learned during my student teaching experience: the importance of relationship-building, adaptability, and fostering an environment where students feel empowered to learn and grow. These experiences will guide me as I continue my career in education, always striving to make a positive impact on the lives of my students.
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