GeauxTeach
Communication is essential for teachers, and through that logic, being a good communicator goes hand in hand with being a good teacher. Through LSU's GeauxTeach Alternative Certification program (a post-baccalaureate certification internship program), as well as the Communication across the Curriculum (CxC) program, I have become a better educator that understands the nuances in conversation, and knows how to respond to students in a positive manner. The best way to get involved with GeauxTeach is by joining the GeauxTeach student organization and participating in GeauxTeach activities such as volunteering and socials, as well as attending informational meetings on campus. As an active Distinguished Communicator (DC) candidate, members are required to master the 4 modes of communication - Written, Spoken, Technological, and Visual, with each mode bearing their own importance to communication. Upon graduation, candidates will receive a medal of honor in recognition of their efforts in being a distinguished communicator. Equipped with these skills, I aced class presentations, volunteered for the organization, constructed lesson plans, and ultimately, taught like a true educator. I wish to take these skills with me to my teaching internship and to dental school, as these are priceless skills of interaction that can be used anywhere, anytime.
My GeauxTeach Courses
*SCI 2012 -Inquiry Teaching
EDCI 2500 - Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science
*EDCI 3136 - Reading in the Content Area
*~EDCI 3550 - Classroom Interactions
*EDCI 4500 - Instructional Models
*Denotes Communication-Intensive Coursework
~Denotes Service Learning Coursework
GeauxTeach Alternative Certification Pathway
Traditionally, GeauxTeach candidates have to go through 4 years of taking Education Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI) courses; however under the post-baccalaureate GeauxTeach alternative certification option, candidates can finish all required courses within 2 years of their undergraduate curriculm, and then partake in a year's worth of a post-baccalaureate internship, where they take 2 graduate leveled GeauxTeach courses while teaching full time! The picture to the left was taken in SCI 2012 as our Alternative Certification teaching group observed classroom interactions.
Alternative Certification Course Matriculation
This is the typical flowchart of an Alternative Certification candidate enrolled in the GeauxTeach program during the beginning of their Junior year, finishing the program at the end of their Senior year. It is worth the mention that during this time, candidates are free to take any courses that they would like to in combination to these required courses.
Teaching Certifications
Principles of Learning Praxis
The Principles of Learning and Teaching: PreK–12 test content assesses key indicators of the beginning educator’s knowledge of topics such as human development, learning processes, instructional processes, diverse learners, educational psychology, and professional issues. As an educator, I am required to have passed this test in combination with a competency test in my discipline before I am able to teach.
Biology Content Praxis
The Biology Praxis is designed and developed through work with practicing biology teachers, teacher educators, and higher education biology specialists to reflect the science knowledge teachers need to teach the biology curriculum and to reflect state and national standards, including the National Science Teaching Association Preparation Standards for biology. As a biology teacher I am required to pass this test before I am able to teach Biology formally in the classroom.
Google Level 1 Educator
Google Certified Educator Level 1 (GCEL1) is a certification that verifies that an individual has learned the skills and tools to use Google tools in the classroom as an educator. I obtained this certificate by studying and using google classroom products in my GeauxTeach courses, eventually leading to me taking the Educator Certification Test for level 1 educators and obtaining this certificate.
My Involvement with GeauxTeach
Volunteering
As an active member in the GeauxTeach program I loved volunteering because I knew it was for a great cause. There were many benefits that were obvious to me when it came to teaching, but it may have been confusing for others, which is why I felt that it was my responsibility as a member of GeauxTeach to inform more people about the program so that they too could enjoy it as much as I do. This is one of the pictures taken after a successful day of outreaching in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in the LSU Student Union.
Classroom Life
My favorite part about GeauxTeach is my time spent interacting with the students that I teach. This is because I get to form valuable connections that I will carry on with me for the rest of my life. Life in the classroom is vivid and full of energy, as the students that I teach create an upbeat learning environment naturally so that everyone is engaged in learning. The best part is, there is always a chance that your homeroom will win donuts, which is why I included this picture of me and my EDCI 4500 group having fun after our homeroom won donuts during class!
Networking
This is a picture taken from the annual Science & Spirits event sponsored by the LSU College of Science, to encourage faculty and alumni interest, as well as connect select students with College of Science professionals. During this event, I along some other GeauxTeach members got together and took this timeless photo.
Photo Credits: Chelsea Graves (GeauxTeach header), Alec Sheehy (Science&Spirits picture), Jake Webber (Ballroom picture), Hannah Talbot (Alternative Certification picture), Emery Godke (Classroom Life picture).
