Maemester has helped out so many Albion College students this past year! Teacher candidates spend at least 140 hours in classrooms, assisting mentor teachers with the daily routine of taking attendance, grading, planning lessons, and assessing students. They were able to learn from mentor teachers, and then in return they expanded what they learned and presented it to others, to help them learn as well.
Teacher candidates have designed and taught interdisciplinary unit plans that included hands-on experiential learning opportunities and field trips for PK-12 youth in our local Marshall Public School District.
Student teacher Makayla Frost '25 coordinated field trips to the Whitehouse Nature Center (WNC) for lessons on nature and wildlife. Thanks to the Maemester program, student teachers are given the opportunity to explore their own passions and pass them down to their students.
Other field trips included swim lessons, watercolor painting lessons, visits to the Albion College Innovation Lab, and so much more!
The Maemester program is a beautiful display of community commitment to education. Pictured is WNC Director Monica Day helping to lead students on a nature walk!
The goal of the program remains the same–offering valuable classroom teaching experience in the spring for all junior elementary, secondary, and K-12 education students.
David Turner ’92, principal of Marshall High School, attributes the success of Maemester in large part to its design, which focuses on a strong network of local teachers, including many dedicated alumni.
Associate professor Betty Okwako-Riekkola (pictured), who helped coordinate the program this year, said “Those veteran teachers play a key role by modeling professional behaviors and responsibilities and providing teacher candidates feedback and guidance to prepare them for student-teaching experiences.”
Bella Bakeman '25 reflects on the transformative experience of Maemester. Through this program, she has never felt more confident in her decision to become a teacher. This validation is common among our student teachers and mentor teachers.
Students and teachers had several opportunities to connect with the greater Albion/Marshall community to discuss their work from Maemester. From intimate evening dinners to school baord meetings, the student teachers of Maemester spread the word about the impact of intentional connections, mentorship, and evolution in education. Suellyn Henke, who is a professor and chair of the Education Department, said this immersive experience provides the opportunity for teacher candidates to build meaningful relationships and develop a deeper understanding of teaching.
In addition to helping prepare students to teach, Maemester fuels a passion for education and creates enduring connections. Our students would not be able to get this once in a lifetime experience if it was not for your continued support, and for that we thank you!