The University of Northern Iowa College of Education - Summer 2008 - (Page 17)

Alumni News Graduates – where are they? A quick catch-up on some College of Education grads Christi Stoffer, ISEA, student chapter president, fall 2005 After graduating in December 2005, Stoffer began teaching at Baldwin Intermediate School (grades 4-6) in Quincy, Ill. During the spring 2006 semester, she taught in a resource room and for the 2006-07 year she was a co-teacher in an inclusive classroom. This year she taught in a self-contained classroom for students with learning disabilities and worked closely with a teacher in assisting a student with behavioral disorders. As a special education graduate, Stoffer indicates that the special education department helped her prepare the most for teaching. “The multiple practicum experiences that we had in classrooms – especially those that weren’t ‘perfect’ classes – were great preparation,” she recalls. “My first practicum was at an elementary school where I was overwhelmed with a small group of six students with six different negative behaviors. My supervisor let me do what I thought best and then gave me constructive criticism and helped me learn from it. And one thing I did learn was that there are times in teaching when I need to back up if the students aren’t getting it.” She also remembers the help Frank Koehler and Amy Staples provided in handling students with various behaviors in a classroom. “They had very high expectations for us, and if not we did not meet them, we had to explain. But they were there every step of the way to ensure that we succeeded in our teaching.” Stoffer said she still contacts Koehler about certain situations in her teaching. “I’ve e-mailed him a few times and asked him for advice – he always gives it to me. Even if it is reaffirming what I am doing or giving me new ideas, that contact is priceless. All of my UNI professors taught me how to teach and trust myself.” Teacher Education Convocation was another high point for Stoffer. “This event told me that UNI believed in me enough to welcome me into the College of Education. This was an amazing feeling to know that it was the first day of many to learn how to teach and support students.” Stoffer plans to teach in a selfcontained classroom at Baldwin Intermediate School next year. I learned very quickly is to be ready for change,” she explains. “I have learned how to deal with small things that come up and how to keep going with the lesson plans.” Feldt says she also benefited from the leadership skills she used while KDP president. “I organized meetings and kept events going throughout the semester.” She uses those same skills in the classroom. “Students need structure to be successful and need to see that I care about the content being taught.” Her students have given her the opportunity to try every technique that she learned in college, she says. From this she’s reaffirmed that “it is important to remember that what works for one student may not work for the next. Treat each student as an individual and remember that each day is a new chance for the students.” Feldt also praises the College of Education faculty for going above and beyond in their help. “I received assistance on my resume, looking for jobs, and preparing for job interviews. The College of Education faculty members were always very helpful.” Her favorite event each year was the Celebration of Excellence where she met her scholarship donors. “I could talk about school forever. I feel like I have so much to share because I have learned so much my first year teaching,” Feldt concludes. Gina Nechanicky Feldt, Kappa Delta Pi president, spring 2006 Gina Feldt graduated from the UNI elementary education program in spring 2007 and received her first teaching job last fall as a fifth grade teacher at Sioux Central Elementary in northwest Iowa. She was married in March 2008. During her first teaching year, she says the multiple experiences she had at UNI in classrooms working with students and using the skills she learned prepared her for her own classroom. “One lesson Excellence in Education—Spring/Summer 2008 17

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The University of Northern Iowa College of Education - Summer 2008 Contents PLS Recommended For Statewide Mission Iowa Legislature Funds Regents' Math/Science Initiative School Counselors Reinstated For All Iowa School Districts Human Performance Center Dedicated DVDs Illustrate Early Childhood Education Standards UNI Leads in Solving Shortage of Special Education Teachers Iowa Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies Service to Special Olympics Olympic Champ Brings Coaching Techniques to UNI Meet Tomorrow's Promising Educators Len Froyen Multicultural Initiatives in Teaching Program Technology Facilitator Certificate Program Offered in Fall UNI Only Regents University Offering Technology Teacher Preparation Curriculum and Instruction All-University Professional Development Day Premieres Barb Hill - Known to All Teacher Education Majors Teacher Work Sample - A Window Into Students' Teaching Faculty and Student Award Winners Graduates - Where Are They? Career Notes UNI College of Education Receives 1.1 Million Dollar Gift Scholarship Needed

The University of Northern Iowa College of Education - Summer 2008

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