Update: WCU-Tradition Teacher Residency
In June, the Mississippi Department of Education announced that William Carey University had received a three-year, $600,000 grant to administer a new Teacher Residency program. Its goal is to help make new elementary school teachers “effective on day one” by giving them more classroom experience and access to mentor teachers while they’re still in college.
Twelve education majors entering their junior year were chosen for the program and began working with WCU-Tradition professors and mentor teachers from the Ocean Springs and Gulfport school districts in the fall.
Here are some of their thoughts and observations:
Katelyn Babischkin of D’Iberville
“When we were told we would be in a school for 15 hours a week, at least, it prepared me for the possibility of being able to stand in front of a classroom to give instruction.
“I love being able to work individually with so many children. I have experience now working with first and third grade. I walk into school, and so many students know me and recognize me as someone who is there for them. I am now someone who is there to see them succeed, someone who wants to see them get back up when they fall, and someone who will love them endlessly.”
Janet Spears of Moss Point
“My biggest surprise was being selected as a teacher resident because of the limited spots available. I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew it would be challenging, but I’m ready to rise to the challenge.”
Molly Ferguson of Gulfport
“I feel so blessed to have been chosen for the program. After realizing that teaching was my true calling, it was a dream of mine to go back and receive a degree in education. I knew it was going to take full commitment and hard work. It has been 15 years since I graduated from college – and it’s a game changer when you have a full-time job and adult/mom responsibilities.
“I love that the students love me and look up to me. It’s so funny to see their reaction when I tell that them that I’m back in college. I’m learning new things every week, just like they are.”
Abigail Fisher of Pass Christian
“I really enjoy being at my elementary school. The biggest challenge is just checking my emails and making sure I am on task. I didn’t think I would be getting to do as much stuff in the classroom. My favorite part so far is, of course, being in the classroom. I love my mentor and students!”
Dr. Ben Burnett, dean of the WCU School of Education said the university is proud to play a part in solving the state’s teacher shortage problem: “This problem will require many solutions and the Mississippi Teacher Residency program can be one of those solutions. One of the major reasons we have a teacher shortage is that new teachers are often not prepared for their first job and they end up leaving the profession. This residency program gives our students practical hands-on experience in two excellent school districts.”
The 12 education majors chosen for the 2019-20 Teacher Residency program are:
- Katelyn Babischkin of D’Iberville
- Katelin Black of Gulfport
- Rachel Brown of Hurley
- Molly Ferguson of Gulfport
- Abby Fisher of Pass Christian
- Samantha Guyton of Hurley
- Kimberlee Kelley of McHenry
- Caitlin Love of Ocean Springs
- Priscilla Rocha of Vancleave
- Ashlee Slocum of Vancleave
- Janet Spears of Moss Point
- Ashea Wells of Biloxi