Christina Aldred

Social Studies

Mrs. Jennifer Mechling’s student teacher

Q: What made you decide that you wanted to become a teacher? 

A: “I actually decided that I wanted to become a teacher when I was serving in the Navy. A friend that I worked with started volunteering with the band program at the local high school and encouraged me to come along since I also used to be in band. I went and I instantly fell in love with the students and the class environment, and knew that it was what I wanted to do as a career.”

Q: What has been the best part of your experience as a student teacher at Salem? 

Q: “The best part of my experience as a student teacher at Salem has definitely been forming relationships with my students and with other staff members. Everyone at this school has been so welcoming and helpful, and my students have been so patient with me and inspire me to do my best. They make me laugh every single day and are truly the best part of the job!”

A: What are you most looking forward to as a full fledged teacher next year?

Q: “As a full fledged teacher next year, I am most looking forward to having my own classroom and creating a space where students always feel comfortable and welcome (just like Mrs. Mechling’s room!)”

A: Do you know where you will be teaching next year? If so, please share.

Q: “While I would LOVE to stay at Salem, my family and I are moving to Northeast Florida over the summer and I will be teaching in the Jacksonville area.”

Emma Batton

English

Mrs. Lacy’s Krell’s student teacher

Q: What made you decide that you wanted to become a teacher? 

A: “When I consider what has led me here, about to complete my teacher candidate internship in English education, I have to go back to where it all began. I have loved to read since I was a small child. My mother used to read me chapters from favorite books as I would drift off to sleep. As a student in high school, English was my favorite subject, especially literature classes where I was introduced to new people and worlds which I embraced with eagerness and excitement. I believe my love of learning sprung from my deep love of language. I love the beauty of language and communication and have made it a personal mission to understand it to the best of my ability in order to have richer and more felicitous encounters with those people who have yet to enter my life. I have decided to combine my two great passions (language and learning) and I am going to teach English! 

I love the challenge of teaching. I find it very rewarding when I am afforded new

opportunities both to teach and to learn. I believe that being a part of the learning process and encouraging the dreams and aspirations of the future generation is a noble profession that I want to devote my career to. To become like the many mentors that have influenced and changed my life for the better is a goal that I am currently working to achieve. I still remember the first time I experienced the feeling when an able instructor handed me the tools that would help me on my way to success and told me that I was capable of achieving more than I thought I could. I look forward with great anticipation to the day when I will be in a position to share what I have learned with the future generation of readers and learners.”

Q: What has been the best part of your experience as a student teacher at Salem?  

A: “Without a doubt, the wonderful part about Salem is the PEOPLE. A school can have excellent  curriculum and programs (which Salem does), but the real joy I found as a student teacher has been in cultivating relationships with students and staff. In this tumultuous time of COVID-19, the engagement with everyone has been a real life line and has reminded me of my purpose.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to as a full fledged teacher next year?

A:” I am most looking forward to continuing to establish myself as an educator and taking all of the incredible wisdom and advice that Mrs. Krell has given me and using it to become the best teacher that I can be.”

Q: Do you know where you will be teaching next year? If so, please share.  

A: “Not yet, but wherever there are eager students, that’s where I want to be!”

Rylee Toler

English

Mrs. Marie Copen’s student teacher

Q: What made you decide that you wanted to become a teacher? 

A: “I decided to become a teacher in sixth grade because of my own English teacher. She was young, energetic, and kind-hearted, and she changed how I viewed reading and writing. She put an emphasis on personal choice and wanted to make sure we both understood class activities, but also had a good time while doing them. Her positivity and optimism struck a chord with me. I knew at that young age that I wanted to be that person for others. I wanted to change how people viewed reading and writing in the same way she had changed mine.”

Q: What has been the best part of your experience as a student teacher at Salem?

A: “The best part of my experience student teaching at Salem has been getting to know the students, as well as the other teachers. I have thoroughly enjoyed being in such a positive, open-minded environment and I feel like I have been able to thrive here.”

Q:What are you most looking forward to as a full fledged teacher next year?

A:”I am looking forward to building relationships with my students and getting to know them.” 

Q: Do you know where you will be teaching next year? If so, please share. 

A: “I’m hoping to be here at Salem next year!”