Page 94 - Clearwater Christian College 2003

TRAINING TEACHERS TO MAKE

AN IMPACT ON STUDENTS

The college is known for offering several elementary educa­

tion majors. Taught by teachers who care about their stu­

dents, one elementary education major, Craig Rapinchuk,

said, “I decided to come to CCC because the teachers and

the administration expressed more interest in me than other

schools did. The faculty does care about our students, but

it goes farther than that. They care about the future stu­

dents who will be taught and influenced by graduates from

the college. Accordingly, the students are encouraged in their

walk with the Lord as well as in their educational advance­

ment. “Ecclesiastes talks about how real wisdom begins with

the fear of the Lord. Through Christian-based teaching, we

learn to glorify God," Craig continued. The Biblical teach­

ing has encouraged many future educators as have the hands-

on activities such as the practicums. “CCC’s teachers and

courses have given me a great understanding of the material

and how to apply it in a real-life situation. The practicums

are the most important part of the curriculum, I think. They

show you how to apply all the principles we’ve learned.”

Brooke Scharadin,

who plans to teach in an Sarah Drain makes strange

inner-city school environ- faces with her practicum stu­

dents. “The most important
J
ment, also enjoyed the thing you have to learn to be a

Godly instruction the col­ good teacher is patience. But

I’ve always wanted to teach.
lege provided. “It’s very This is definitely a field I want to

important to incorporate a be in’ she saicl-

Christian foundation in your teaching in order to set a good

moral example for your students. This is especially true if

you go on to teach in a public school setting.” As a fresh­

man, Brooke is excited about the classes she will be taking.

“It’s interesting to learn all the different approaches to teach­

ing. I love the interactive group activities and the guest speak­

ers.” When asked if she will use what she’s learned to home-

school her own children, Brooke replied, “No, I don’t think

so. T here are so many benefits from interacting with other

students. 1 here is also more variety of opportunities at

school."

Timothy Armstrong instructs “Tim’s teaching was very

his class in a peer teaching good,” said classmate Michele

exercise. As part of his Polanycia. “It was well orga­

Classroom Management nized and very student cen­

class taught by Dr. Smith, Tim tered. I love Dr. Smith’s

had to teach the class twice- classes. They are incredibly

first, with a lesson plan and fun and very informative. He’s

later through a class activity. a great teacher.”