Hastings High is home to many different teachers, including student teachers from Hastings College.
Currently at HHS, there are three different student teachers in different subjects. Miss Sinsel is in English, Miss Schelkopf is in Math, and Mr. Hudson is in Spanish class. Miss Sinsel, who is new to HHS, was given the opportunity to become an English teacher to many students.
“I started here January 4, so during second semester. I’m about a month in and it’s been going very well so far,” Sinsel said.
Still new to the school, Sinsel learns new things almost every day. New opportunities rise from all corners throughout school days, leaving these student teachers with many new experiences.
“I think the students are the best part about being here,[for example] interacting with them and getting to know them,” Sinsel said. “Well, the hardest part is before this I only taught a few lessons at the middle school. I was never really in charge of the classroom, so adjusting to being in charge is kind of hard.”
Although hard times are met, Sinsel is getting used to problem solving with her students. Being a teacher is an experience of many different emotions and students, sometimes being fun and other times being stressful.
“My favorite part is again, interacting with students. I really like teaching fun interactive lessons where students can move around the classroom,” Sinsel said. “I really like the culture of the high school. I’m really excited to be here and I would recommend other students at Hastings College to come here.”
Miss Sinsel brings new lessons and experiences to each class, battling with the difficulty of silence she still manages to get people to participate. Being at the high school has let Miss Sinsel learn new things and meet new people. Miss Schelkopf, who is teaching in one of the Math classes offered at Hastings High, has been here for just as long as Miss Sinsel.
“I’ve been a student teacher here at Hastings High since the beginning of the semester, I’ve been enjoying it so far” Schelkopf said.
All of the student teachers at Hastings High have been here for at least a semester or a bit longer. All of them have had an impact already, forming bonds with students.
“The easiest part is probably just showing up every day and interacting with students. Not in a professional manner, more just building friendships,” Schelkopf said. “The hardest part though is finding different ways to teach students to make sure they all understand what they need to.”
Teachers try new ways to teach students every day, having some students who learn in different ways. Having been in the class themselves, the teachers know what helps.
“Getting the experience of having control over the classroom and getting to know the students as well is my favorite part of being here,” Schelkopf said.
Good teaching is vital for learning students, High School teachers are responsible for shaping students minds before their future.
“I liked the way that teaching could affect so many lives in so many different ways. My math teachers were pretty cool. That’s probably why I chose to be teaching math,” Schelkopf said.
Mr. Hudson, being here for a bit longer than both other student teachers has had more experience at Hastings High.
“I started here on January 3 and I’ve been here ever since. I actually worked here a little bit last year too during my clinical experience so I was here for about seven weeks last fall,” Hudson said.
Hudson has been here to experience few changes throughout the school year and plans to be for more.
“The easiest part about being here is just having fun with the students. That’s definitely the best part you know, joking around and having fun in class,” Hudson said. “I’d say the hardest part is just planning the lessons and knowing what I’m going to be doing for every minute in class. Being prepared for all my lessons has been a little bit difficult.”
All three student teachers enjoy friendships with their students and making the experience of fun and teaching a bit more memorable. They all bring new life and experiences to their classrooms.
“I like getting to know the students,” Hudson said. “It’s been really fun getting to know all the people in my classes and being able to help them learn.“
Hastings High has been a memorable experience for all three student teachers, having given them the experience of teaching firsthand and preparing them for their future.
“I’ve loved being at Hastings High so far. It’s been where I’ve done most and almost all of my student teaching experience and all of it has been good. It’s a very great school.” Hudson said.
