Walking into to an unfamiliar classroom, 24 pairs of eyes stare you down. No, this is not the first day of freshman year, but the first day of a student teacher’s semester.   

This 2016-17 school year, there are three student teachers spending their fall semester learning from Hershey High School’s very own teachers. Being a student teacher is a requirement to graduate with a teaching degree, according to Elizabethtown College.

The process to be considered for a student teaching position is not an easy one. Requirements include maintaining a “C” or better in all required classes in their teaching field. They must also pass all parts of the Praxis, a testing of their knowledge about the subject they hope to teach.

Megan Bernth, a senior at Elizabethtown College, is a student teacher at HHS. Hoping for a career in teaching history in her home town of Westhampton Beach, Long Island, Bernth is pushing herself every day in Mr. Wenninger’s class.

“My goals are to learn everyone’s names in class,” Bernth said. After having an 8th grade history teacher who told army stories, Bernth was inspired to teach others.

Since she was in middle school, Bernth’s dream job has been teaching. Ever since Bernth’s sophomore year of college, she has been focused more towards high school instead of elementary like she has as a kid.

Also attending Elizabethtown College is Brad LeHan. His teaching journey started his junior year of high school when his lacrosse coach, who also taught his history class, helped relate the subject with lacrosse. This connection helped him learn better.

Since then, LeHan has set a goal to do the same with his students.  “It isn’t easy,” said LeHan.

Not only does he have to be at HHS all day, but on Monday’s he has a three hour class, as well as lesson planning, preparation and college course homework.

LeHan explained the most important things he has learned so far. Patience, a sense of humor, and reflection make his top three. “You have to have a sense of humor, or you will lose the kids,” said LeHan.

Working with a HHS teacher is something new for the student teachers. LeHan explained how his mentor, Mr. Ortiz, has helped him on this journey. Ortiz has let him make mistakes and improve from them. Lehan has the freedom he needs to learn in the classroom.

LeHan’s biggest accomplishment this semester was when he designed an Ellis Island simulation in the American History class he has been working with. Not only did it go as planned, but the class really enjoyed it as well.

LeHan’s goals for this semester are to improve and learn. He would also like to overcome some of the unknowns in his future.

Goals are very important for student teachers. According to Elizabethtown College, goals help them track their progress.

Susquehanna University senior Tyler Miller is no stranger to setting goals. He hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the students, allowing them to hear opposing views and opinions. Miller’s other goal is to prepare students for higher level choir courses.  

When Miller was in junior high, he had a teacher who stuck him into a community choir and gave him the confidence that he needed to continue an education in music.

Miller has been working with the school’s choirs. He treats them how he would treat a low level choir in college, and was extremely impressed when he heard the talent in HHS.
“If you give kids expectations that are high, they will reach them.” Miller said.