There is a career out there that you might want to consider. Some who work this job might say that it is tough. Others say that it keeps them very busy. However, all who work this profession say a similar thing. It is a thrilling, rewarding career that is a new adventure each and every day. It is a profession as old as time, yet it is imperative that it continues to grow.  What might this job be, you might ask? You might be surprised to know that you see these heroes at their jobs nearly every single day. They work hard every day for you. They are called…teachers.

Grading, teaching, making lesson plans, all what you might think is a typical day of a teacher. But it has become so much more that that. Teachers are there to inspire, mentor, advise, encourage, coach… words can’t even say it all. They have the task of teaching the next generation of leaders. Many students of Adelphi University have taken on this challenge. Nearing their completion of the Adelphi Education program, they must have hands-on experience to reinforce what they’ve been learning. A handful of these student teachers are completing their field experience right here at Mineola High School. 

The student teachers at Mineola are all following a similar education program at Adelphi. It is called the STEP Education program (STEP is short for Scholar Teacher Education Program), which is five years long. The first four years focus on their desired teaching concentration, such as science, English, or math. During their fifth year, STEP students will take courses in pedagogy (the study of teaching methodology), and complete field work as student teachers in an actual school. Upon completion of their 5th year, which is their graduate year, the students will have received both their Bachelors and Masters degrees, which are required for all teachers. At Adelphi, the student-teaching program has several different options, one being the Residency Program, where students work with two teachers all year long. Let's meet some of these interesting residents.

Ms. John is currently at Mineola practicing to be a math teacher. When asked why she picked math, she says that she was always good at it and enjoyed helping others with it. Being a commonly difficult subject for others, she knew that being a math teacher would be a good fit for her. While in the classroom. Ms. John is aware of how much preparations teachers put into their lessons, something we teenagers probably don’t realize. To future teachers, Ms. John advises that they get into classrooms as soon as possible, so that they can see whether or not teaching is for them. Otherwise, it will be too late to change your major. And to all potential teachers, she advises not to let kids’ bad moods or behavior get you down.

Mr. Seara is also an Adelphi teaching resident here at Mineola HS. He plans on becoming an English teacher. Mr. Seara enjoys English, as this subject contains analysis opposed to answers, whereas math or science contain questions with only one, solid answer. Creativity and different answers are always encouraged in English. He has thought about being a teacher since junior year of high school, and attributed it to being an older sibling, as he was always the oldest in everything. While student teaching, Mr. Seara has noticed that it's tricky balancing younger ages with just enough authority, as student teaching puts you right in between “teacher” and “student.” He did, however, meet students with similar interests and hobbies which is nice. Mr. Seara also has some advice to give to people planning to become teachers. He says to always remember what you're doing it for, as it is easy to get thrown off when faced with the difficulties of teaching. Ignore what the people say if they ever seem discouraging to your desire to become a teacher.

Ms. Aibani is currently student teaching a few social studies classes at the high school.
Her desire to teach all came from her 11th grade US History class, where she had an amazing teacher who inspired her to teach. In the classroom, Ms. Aibani realizes how difficult it is to plan a lesson, something which many students might not realize when sitting in a classroom.  She agrees with the fact that in order to become a teacher one must have a strong passion for it. One should know from the moment you start learning how to teach whether or not they would like to become a teacher. 

There we have a few words from student teaching residents from Adelphi University. While teaching may be a difficult job, it definitely seems very rewarding. We were fortunately able to get an insight as to what it takes to become a teacher and the path to stepping into the field of teaching. Many thanks to Ms. John, Mr. Seara and Ms. Aibani for giving their thoughts on teaching, and good luck to them as well as to all who are entering the world of teaching.