HA HA!Student teacher William Bowman shares a laugh with student Ahmil Bey-Johnson as he helps him with an assignment. They chuckle as Ahmil Bey- Johnson tries to think of a silly pose. Photo by Trena Johnson

A window of opportunity has opened for new student teachers. Ten new student teachers join the staff for the 2013-14 school year.

 Size plays a big role in comparing to the student teachers assorted high schools.

“I think the biggest difference is the size of a public school,” Brandon McGraw said.

During his his school/ middle school years McGraw hwent to a catholic school, Bishop Guilfoyle.  His senior year history teacher inspired him to become a teacher.  Teachers and relatives inspired the student teachers.

“My teachers that I had.  My grandfather and my grandmother were both teachers.  Especially my teachers, they inspired me to become a teacher myself, “ Kirsten Fazio said.

Josh Horton wasn’t inspired by personal relationships.

“It might sound weird, but the movie ‘Freedom Writers’ actually played a big role in inspiring me to become a teacher.  I want to make a difference,” Horton said.

Most people have at least one class they enjoy more than another.

“ My favorite course in college was a class called ‘ Theatre 100’.  My teacher would lecture  to us about plays, then have real actors come in and act them out, Fazio said.

Instead of physical expression William Bowman expressed himself through words.

“ I’d have to say creative writing, we got to express things through stories and poems,” Bowman said.

During secondary schooling Bowman, McGraw and Horton had stage fright.

“ Yes, thats one thing I regret in school; they didn’t have us get up in front of people,” Bowman said.

Teaching today may be a struggle for some but a piece of cake for the next guy.

“I think one of the toughest things is getting the kids who don’t care about  school to care about school.  You have to connect with them.  I can be tough but not impossible, no definitely not impossible,” Horton said.

While Horton says to connect and help them to care, Fazio says it’s about letting them know it’s okay to be wrong.

“ It think the toughest aspect is letting students know it’s okay to be wrong.  As at teacher you should let them know they’re going to struggle and make mistakes, “ Fazio said.

Each teacher has quirks they wish to improve; things they wish to make better.

“ I think taking control of the classroom, sometimes I can be a little too friendly and casual,  and I forget I’m a teacher,”  Ari Simner said.

While Simner wants to be a assertive, Horton wants confidence.

“I think on a personal basis confidence. I’m still getting used to speaking and managing the classroom.  I tend to second guess myself a lot,” Horton said.

Just as each teacher needed improvement, each one has strong points.

“I think relating to students, trying to be both their friend and get respect. I try not to be too assertive,” Simner said.

Horton and Simner are both “ people persons”.

“I’d say patience, and I am very passionate while teaching – understanding,” Horton said.