Experience Inspires!

Interview with Elegan, a Pre-Service Science Teacher

Hailing from St. Louis, Elegan came to MU with a strong background in working with children. Tutoring and baby-sitting experiences, combined with dynamic high school teachers, led her to one of two possible majors: Nursing or Education. Upon taking an Introduction to Nursing class, however, she decided that "the medical field was not my thing because it didn't excite me as much as a career in teaching." Along with her high school teachers, the College of Education faculties have been influential in Elegan's choice to pursue teaching. "They have¡¦been extremely friendly," she says, "opening their doors to their students whenever the students need it." In addition to pursuing a degree in Secondary Science Education, Elegan is a member of the Educational Ambassadors, Phi Sigma Pi, and Habitat for Humanity on campus.

1. What subject area and grade level do you plan to teach?

Science (either chemistry or biology), high school grade level and maybe middle school grade level too.

2.  Why did you choose a career in teaching?

When I first came to the university, I was deciding between a career in the medical field and a career in teaching. After taking an Introduction to Nursing course, I decided that the medical field was not my thing because it didn't excite me as much as a career in teaching. My love for working with children and some influential high school teachers also influenced my decision to choose a career in teaching.

3.  What other options were you considering?

Nursing, physical therapy- something medical-field related.
In terms of other subject areas, I considered teaching secondary math.

4. What high school or college activities have you participated in that have been helpful in your major?

I've baby-sat and tutored many children and those activities helped me determine that I wanted a career in teaching. I chose a path in science education because science was always my favorite, and one of my strongest, subjects in school. Some science-related activities that I participated in include science fair projects and various competitions.

5. What have you enjoyed most about your major?

I've truly enjoyed the faculty in the College of Education they most. They have all been extremely helpful through the certification process and have also been extremely friendly, opening their doors to their students whenever the students need it.

6. What has been the most challenging aspect of majoring in education?

The certification process- it's tricky business.

7. What has been the most rewarding aspect of majoring in education?

The most rewarding aspect of majoring in education is applying the concepts and ideas learned in education classes to my field experiences with students in high school classrooms.

January 2004