Experience Inspires!

Interview with Andrea, a Pre-Service Science Teacher

Andrea recognized science teaching as a possible career while finishing her undergraduate degree in Biology.  Not interested in pursuing research in the biological sciences as a career, yet not wanting to give up biology entirely, teaching became a viable option.  "I like interacting with children.  I want to share my enthusiasm for science with them and also be a guide."

Andrea found out about MU’s SMAR²T program from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website and decided to apply.  She has experience teaching English as a second language and Spanish at the college level, but middle school was an entirely different matter.  Interacting with students in her internship quickly showed her that she was on the right path.  "Working with students through the internship has given me a great chance to practice what I've learned in my courses and also affirm my desire to be a teacher."  Overall, her coursework at MU and her internship have been "very interesting and informative.  I have enjoyed learning about how to use inquiry in the classroom and applying different teaching strategies."

1.  Why did you choose a career in teaching?

I decided to go into teaching when I realized that, although I was deeply interested in science, I did not enjoy research.  At the same time, I liked interacting with children.  I wanted to share my enthusiasm for science with them and also be a guide, if they needed one.

2.  What did you do before deciding to become a teacher?

I was completing my thesis for my undergraduate degree in Biology.  I was also teaching English as a foreign language.

3.  What do you think of your decision?

The experience has been very interesting and informative.  I have enjoyed learning about how to use inquiry in the classroom and applying different teaching strategies.  Working with students through the internship has given me a great chance to practice what I've learned in my courses and also affirm my desire to be a teacher.

4.  What have you enjoyed the most about the certification program?

I've enjoyed the idea that after this process I will have some practical experience (through the internship) and theoretical concepts to guide me.

5.  What has been the most challenging aspect of the certification process?

It took some time before I became familiar with all the steps and requirements that exist for certification.

November 2003