Amy Stewart

Student Teaching Setting 

 

           Marengo Elementary School, in the Iowa Valley School District, is a rural elementary school. It serves grades K-6 and special education classes.  I am student teaching in Mr. Brant Andreassen’s first grade classroom.  It is one of three sections of first grade this year.  It is a class of nineteen children, nine boys and ten girls.

            The school exhibits the “Tiger Pride Pledge" that explains the expectations of students: “Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Do Your Best.”  This school welcomes parental involvement and expects excellence from teachers.  The faculty handbook states, “In teaching, as in parenthood, we must start where the child is, we must provide challenges for the child according to his/her abilities.  In every experience the whole child must be considered… You have other equally significant functions and responsibilities: the direction of students, showing and active interest in school functions, and participation as an active member of the community.  How you meet these demands will determine in no small way not only your personal success, but the success of our whole educational program as well.”  This school is full of teachers who are dedicated to education.  The environment is impressive and inspiring.