Student Voices

What aspects of the program did you find most effective?

I enjoyed how we got to meet on a regular basis and how we all worked together. There was a lot of support when I needed it and Beth was always a phone call away.
I really have enjoyed being placed in a MPS – by far one of the best ideas for a program like this!
I liked open discussion about our experiences. I liked the volunteer opportunities.
It was wonderful getting to see individuals from other universities. The change was refreshing and enlightening.
It was a great experience to have student teachers from all of the UW Campuses. We all are going through the same system, but we definitely have been taught different ways and what is found to be the most important aspect of a teacher. This program has allowed us to be overall well-rounded teachers who are of many different aspects of teaching.
The seminars were amazing. It was great to debrief with everyone and talk about what we were facing in the classroom.
Weekly meetings, lots of support, reflection time and community involvement.
Being able to share experiences (both good and bad) with people going through similar experiences.
I enjoyed the weekly classes, as this was a great way to connect with others in the group, share, and obtain helpful articles and information.
Meeting with people in similar situations as I was in every week and talking about real issues. We didn’t waste any more time on the ideal classroom. Going through application processes, license processes, PDP processes helped a lot. It eased a lot of stress and brought some focus.<
Weekly group seminar opportunity to reflect and share experiences with other student teachers in similar and different placements.

What aspects of the seminar did you find most effective?

I enjoyed hearing about my peers teaching experiences.
The speakers (DPI, Parents, HR) were very beneficial. Being able to talk to others that are going through the same experience really helps.
In seminar, having open group discussions about topics we were struggling with were very helpful, it was really a safe and welcoming group/atmosphere.
Sharing ideas on everyday classroom issues was helpful and getting articles that covered ideas related to urban education was useful.
Open discussion and sharing centered around chosen topics. Reading pertaining to urban education and best teaching practices.
Hearing about urban culture and how it is different from our own experiences ( and that these differences are okay )

Would you recommend this program to other students – why or why not?

Yes! I definitely am satisfied with my experiences here and would recommend it.
Yes, absolutely. My other practicum experiences were in urban classrooms already. However, MPS is unique, and this program is fabulous for individuals looking for an amazing teaching experience.
Yes! Amazing experience! Even though it was extremely challenging, we had amazing supervisors and a director who were so encouraging and helped us see the big picture. It definitely was more of a challenge that I would have faced at my home campus, but it also better prepared me for when I am a real teacher. If I can do this… I can do anything.
Yes! I gained so much from teaching in MPS for my student teaching experience that I wouldn’t have encountered if I stayed at my individual UW Campus. The opportunity to teach in an urban setting will prepare me for the future in any setting, I feel I have gained more insight into teaching than I would have otherwise.
Yes! This was the best decision I’ve made! I learned so much about myself as a teacher and as a person.
Yes! It was an amazing way to learn to teach in a new environment.
Definitely- this is the best education experience I have had. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I feel as though I am a much better teacher. Seminar was great and teaching in MPS was a lot of fun and a different experience from what I was in the past.
Yes! I feel like it really was a good support system while student teaching.
I would recommend this program to future students as it is a great way to ease into some of the issues in MPS. This program gives great support during student teaching.
I would recommend this program to anyone who even has the slightest idea of teaching in an urban district. This experience was unbelievable and helped me to grow as a teacher and a person. It would be beneficial to any teacher regardless of whether they teach in an urban or suburban district.
Yes. Absolutely. Although this seminar is more time consuming that the other UW seminar, I always looked forward to coming and hearing how another exciting week was for everyone. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming. I think that I’ve learned much more about urban education and urban issues than my other UW-L peers have.
Yes, I have grown so much as a person and as a educator. This program offers far more than my home campus student teacher program. The community created by the Tuesday night sessions are priceless – you don’t feel like you’re alone in this new adventure.

Most certainly. This program has allowed me the opportunity to grow personally on so many levels –Academically thru seminar, professionally through teaching, but also emotionally and worldly as I was taken out of my comfort zone of my little, peaceful, quiet hometown and thrown into the whirlwind of Milwaukee. It is with thanks to this program that I have the tools, resources, emotional toughness, and maturity to endure and succeed just about any teaching situation. This program offers support on all levels to ensure that each and every student teacher remains sane, feels safe and cared for, but above all grows and succeeds in the classroom.