The University News

Issue date: 1/21/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Kristen Hellstrom MacKenzie Higgins

Media Credit: Kristen Hellstrom Jeff Johnson

Media Credit: Kristen Hellstrom Kate Oslica

Part two: The students in the IUE

Three students, all sophomores, sat at a table in the Institute for Urban Education (IUE) office. They laughed together and comfortably conversed about their missions.

"This is what I wanted to do," MacKenzie Higgins said.

Kate Oslica agreed.

"I want all kids to succeed," she said.

Jeff Johnson realized he wanted to teach in urban schools while he was coaching a football team of elementary school students.

"I jumped to do it because I saw a lack of role models in the urban community," Johnson said.

IUE students begin their field experiences in their freshman years. By contrast, students in the School of Education's program begin field experiences in their junior years.

"We followed the medical school model," Jennifer Waddell, IUE Associate Director, said. "Students learn from being in the classroom."

The IUE students think early field experience is helpful.

"It really helped me know that teaching is what I want to do," Oslica said. She believes teaching is a way to inspire elementary school children.

"I had a little boy come up to me, and he said, 'My teacher said she loved me yesterday.' They just want to be loved," Oslica said.

Johnson likes the middle school where he gains field experience.

"It brings back memories," Johnson said.

He would teach in an urban elementary school, as well.

Higgins would be a middle school math teacher. Her favorite time is a child's lightbulb moment.

"I like it when you have the chance to explain something. And they're like 'Oh yeah, I get that,'" Higgins said.

The IUE students aren't fazed by bad incidents in schools where they work.

"I've seen negative things," Oslica said. "But that makes me think about how much I would love to change those things."

Johnson sees negatives in a positive light.

"Just don't be scared of the challenge. It is a challenge," he said. "The biggest challenge is discipline and making them do things. They think 'I'm poor.' They [the kids] don't want to do things for themselves."

Higgins wants to change children's mindsets.

"It's frustrating at times because they've been told they won't be successful," Higgins said. "So many people are afraid of it [the challenge to teach in urban schools]. There are bad things … [but] it's more than a negative experience."

Waddell approves of her students' attitudes.

"When faced with a challenge … it motivates them," she said, smiling at the three students across the table.

All three sophomores have career goals. Higgins wants to teach here and abroad.

"I want to help kids like math, or at least help them understand it," Higgins said. "I also want to teach in Africa, in Uganda, probably."

Johnson wants to motivate children.

"I want to make a difference in the classroom," Johnson said. "And I want kids to be motivated to do things themselves."

Oslica wants to be remembered.

"I want to be successful and to motivate kids to be successful themselves," Oslica said. "I also want to be a teacher who kids still talk about [when they grow up]; I want to be a role model."

jburche@unews.com

Editor's Note: In the interest of full disclosure, Jessie Burche dropped out of the School of Education over one year ago because she didn't want to teach in urban schools.

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