Lots of students dream about being a teacher when they grow up but in order to do so, there is a huge process they must go through. A part of that process is becoming a student teacher, someone who teaches a class under the supervision of a certified teacher in order to qualify for an education degree. Central has a few student teachers one of them being Claire Holliday. Holliday is a theatre student teacher and Central is not the only school they have spent time being a student teacher at.

“Student observations and teaching are part of the process of being a Theatre Teacher. I have been observing different High Schools for two years now as part of my curriculum as a Theatre Education Major,” Holliday said. 

 Under the wings of Nicole Voss, our theater teacher, Holliday has begun adapting to how the classroom is run. 

“Something they do not teach you in school for Education is how crazy it is to take attendance and enter grades. There is a rhythm to it that I wasn’t aware of prior,” Holliday said.

Along with Holliday, one of Central’s other student teachers is John Fingold. Fingold, a PE student teacher, is learning from and working with Coach Wright and Coach Miller. 

“I’ve learned how to keep kids engaged and how to make students go above and beyond expectations,” Fingold said.

Both have noted that they had specific reasons for choosing to do this experience at Central.

“Not all high schools have Theatre classes. Parkway is very lucky to have theater classes at both the high school and middle school. In the rehearsal room, the skill is evident in students that have been taking theater classes since middle school. It creates a nice legacy in the department and district,” Holliday said.

Fingold’s reason was more directed toward who he’d be learning from.

“I kinda had family ties and I got in contact with Coach Wright and Coach Miller and I felt like they’d be good mentors to me,” Fingold said. 

Both love Central, but not necessarily the commute to it.

“The worst part is the occasional traffic I sometimes hit on my way home. My university is in Illinois so the drive will occasionally be very long,” Holliday said.

Just like everything in life, the experience of being a student teacher has its ups and downs. One of the ups would be the interaction with the kids.

“I have a good time with the kids, and they really help me learn. It’s a good experience all around,” Fingold said.

Student teaching is something that Holliday enjoys and would encourage others to consider.

“I would recommend both student teaching and Parkway! I would suggest to any student teacher to see as much as they can. This includes classes, meetings, rehearsals all of it to get the full grand effect of teaching,” Holliday said.

Fingold would also recommend student teaching to anyone wanting to become a teacher.

“It’s definitely a good experience and 100% prepares you for your profession and gets you ready for real-life,” Fingold said.