Current Student Profiles-Teacher Preparation Program

James Greterman

1. Why did you decide to study at Nevada State College?
   Originally a student at another local university, I decided to dual-enroll at NSC because of all the goods things I had heard about this college. Those friends of mine who attended Nevada State had many positive things to share about the student body, the always-accessible faculty, and the well-maintained campuses. And now that I've been here for 3 semesters, I can really see what they were talking about.
2. What was it that made your experience at NSC most memorable?
   Definitely the amount of engagement in each class; all of my professors have been interested in hearing what we students might have to say, and I've had many an opportunity to speak my mind in the classroom without feeling intimidated or forced. As a side benefit, I've also had the opportunity to hear my fellow classmates speak their minds. This kind of inclusive discussion is where I learned the most in my classes here.
3. What are two strengths of the teacher prep program?
   Firstly, the professors themselves really add to the value of the teacher preparation program. Each of my education professors has obviously had a great deal of in-the-classroom experience, and I've never felt dissatisfied with an instructor's response to any question I might have had.
   
   Another strength of the teacher preparation program is that it covers a wide variety of courses on subjects within teaching: pedagogy, adapting materials for ELL students, working with children with disabilities in the classroom, and so on. I know that, because of the knowledge I have gleaned from these courses, I will walk into my own classroom feeling immediately prepared for many of the curveballs that the teaching experience will throw my way.
4. What year do you plan to graduate?
   With a little luck, I will student teach in fall '10 and graduate shortly thereafter.

Sara Lohmeyer

1. Why did you decide to study at Nevada State College?
   I decided to study at Nevada State College because I am part of the STEP UP program at NSC. The program offers free tuition and books at Nevada State in exchange for four years teaching in CCSD after graduation.
2. What was it that made your experience at NSC most memorable?
   I'd say the small classes and the professors have made my experience memorable. I see a lot of the same faces every semester, and it has given me a sense of stability and familiarity. I really enjoy the majority of my professors, and I love being able to see familiar people each time I enter a new class.
3. What are two strengths of the teacher prep program?
   Two strengths of the teacher prep program are definitely the professors and the access we get to different schools around the valley. As much as I complain about having to observe for a certain amount of hours for each class, it has helped me get to know the type of students I will be working with and the district I will be working in. Most of the professors I have had in the School of Education have been extremely knowledgeable about the teaching profession and have offered very valuable advice to me and my classmates as future teachers.
4. What year do you plan to graduate?
   I plan on graduating in spring of 2010.

Norris Hanna

1. Why did you decide to study at Nevada State College?
   I had just graduated from UNLV and was somewhat burned out on attending there due to crowds, parking issues, cost increases, etc. So I saw that NSC had a similar program and it seemed like a much more personable atmosphere and the costs were lower as well.
2. What was it that made your experience at NSC most memorable?
   While I am still in the process of experiencing NSC I think the best answer is that in many ways I feel like I am at a private school with state school prices. For example, class sizes are smaller, professors legitimately care about your success, I do not have to park a mile away from my classes and walk, and it is much easier to communicate with the staff when issues arise.
3. What are two strengths of the teacher prep program?
   
   1. I am in the 42 unit licensure plan. I feel that while taking longer than say an ARL program, I will be much better prepared to teach once I am finished and ready to start applying to schools. Hopefully I am more marketable as well.
   2. It is easy to communicate with people regarding the program. I have always been promptly taken care of when I had a problem, question, etc., which is something that I found UNLV to be lacking in on occasion.
4. What year do you plan to graduate?
   I plan to get my license in spring 2010, hopefully with a TSOL endorsement as well.

Olivia Hicks

1. Why did you decide to study at Nevada State College?
   I decided to come to NSC because it was new, small and affordable. I loved the idea of small class sizes and have been pleased to have not been in a class with more than 30 students in it. In this type of environment, I feel like I am able to better connect with my professors as well as other students on campus. I also liked the idea of being a part of and involved in helping to build and create an institution that my future students can attend with pride!
2. What was it that made your experience at NSC most memorable?
   The most memorable part of my time at NSC is the relationship I had with my professors and others involved in the college. It is a friendly relationship and I love how my professors know me as more than just a name or face. They know my interests and aspirations and are always there to answer any questions I may have. The professors are really here for the students!
3. What are two strengths of the teacher prep program?
   I cannot narrow down the strengths of the teacher prep-program to just two, but I can give you three.
   1.  Small class sizes - The small class sizes make for a better learning environment in my opinion. I am able to get to know all of my class mates pretty well. I also feel that in this way I am able to gain more from my class-time experiences because I am forced to participate and contribute to the overall learning in the class.
   2. Experiences of professors - Most of the professors that I have had, have all come from CCSD or have worked extensively in a classroom before coming to the collegiate level. I feel that in this manner, my professors are able to provide a more wide range experiences and ideals to classroom discussions and topics.
   3. Diversity of student body - All of the classes I have taken in the teacher prep-program have been highly diversified in race, age, sex, ethnicity and religion. As I have said before, I believe this helps to create a better experience for me because I am able to learn about several different viewpoints and opinions and not just from people who are my age.
4. What year do you plan to graduate?
   I plan to graduate fall 2009! I will take about a year off and then go back for my masters - hopefully NSC will be able to have this type of program.