Organizational skills, planning and commitment to teaching were the three important topics covered at the Center of Excellence Student Kickoff held Thursday, Sept. 2 at FMU. The seminar worked to prepare teachers of children of poverty.
Education professor and Director of Center of Excellence Dr. Tammy Pawloski introduced the event with a series of interactive questions concerning the history, standard of teaching and significance of the Center of Excellence (COE).
The COE strives to provide aspiring teachers with adequate training so that they can be influential moderators of excellent education to the children of poverty.
“We are doing it because we love it; we care about kids and there is no more important job,” Pawloski said.
The event focused on motivating, educating and encouraging the students to actively involve themselves in the research and training available in the program. The speakers and faculty members offered a large amount of valuable advice for the students to be able to use after graduating.
Associate Director for the Center of Excellence Markey Bee emphasized that planning and preparing are tremendously vital for the role of a teacher. Children are constant learners and they are observing the behaviors of their teachers and mentors.
The program featured “Teaching Tips from the Field” which involved two FMU alumni who were given the spotlight to share their experiences of teaching in the real world. They demonstrated strong and vibrant communication themselves and mentioned that they were grateful for the well-rounded training they received from their professors while at FMU.
First grade teacher of North Vista Elementary Calandra Brisbone advised students to set high expectations and stand by them.
“Be consistent in whatever you do and use your time wisely,” Brisbone said. “Tackle one problem situation at a time and relax.”
Brisbone has been teaching for three years and now knows what to expect from the children because of familiarity of the classroom trend.
“Organization is the key,” Brisbone said. “Plan ahead and stay late.”
High school teacher of Marion High School Lauren Tomlinson shared with the students an acronym QTIP, “Quit Taking It Personally,” and advised them to never hold a grudge against anyone.
“Be prepared to fill a role other than just ‘teacher’,” Tomlinson said. “Become more human and love what you teach.”
Tomlinson further explained the importance of having enthusiasm and passion for teaching children.
“If you are not excited about a subject, they will not be excited,” Tomlinson said. “Seize the day, enjoy the student, enjoy the subjects and enjoy the school.”
Graduate students and faculty members at FMU are fully involved in the program and they are continuously seeking interested and passionate students.
Since the past years, the rate of students graduating to become teachers has steadily grown, and the school districts within the Pee Dee region have improved and expanded.
On Sept. 25 a workshop in Chapman Auditorium which will provide participants with practical, research-based information that caters to the needs of children living in poverty conducted on September 25.
“Stay organized and always have a positive outlook,” Bee said. “The children are watching and observing you in the classroom.”