The First 180 Days
Kimberly Johnson's Journal
Kimberly Johnson, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a graduate of the University of North Dakota. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and certification to teach at the secondary level. After student teaching at a Grand Forks' high school, Kim spent a semester as a substitute teacher -- gaining experience in all subjects and at every grade level. The experience, says Kim, was "an eye-opener."
"I realized that I enjoyed working with middle school students," Kim told Education World. "When I heard of the 'Middle School Resident Teacher Program,' I jumped at the chance to earn my masters degree and teach in a Grand Forks' middle school at the same time. The resident teacher program is designed to help teachers through their first year under the guidance, wisdom, and experience of a mentor. The program takes a year and two months to complete, but will be well worth it when I have both my first year of teaching and my masters degree under my belt."
"I see teaching as my calling," Kim added. "I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. My interest in language -- and a special 7th grade English teacher -- inspired me to choose English as my discipline area. I have high hopes of inspiring children to pursue lifelong learning and to pick up a book to read for pleasure, outside the classroom."
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Article by Linda Starr
Education World®
Copyright © 2001 Education World
8/30/2001
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