Christina Kim, a senior at the University of Texas College of Education, has been honing her teaching skills with Nicole Hershey’s 5th grade class at UT Elementary. This partnership is particularly special as Nicole Hershey herself is a Longhorn who also completed her student teaching at UT Elementary. Known for her expertise in math and science, Ms. Hershey is celebrated for her ability to help students grasp complex concepts, and this year, she is guiding Christina on her journey to becoming a classroom teacher.
Ms. Hershey shared her insights on the unique opportunities provided by UT Elementary to teachers in training: “UT Elementary offers College of Education students the opportunity to see research-based practices in action,” she explained. “Student teachers and interns get to see what a ‘professional learning community’ is and how our faculty work together to improve our lessons and delivery.” This practice not only benefits the student teachers but also the low-income families in historically underserved East Austin, ultimately fostering a community of learning and growth.
Christina has found her experience at UT Elementary to be transformative. “UT Elementary has shown me what it means to use the latest research and student data to improve your strategies and techniques,” she said. Growing up, Christina always envisioned herself as a teacher. Her passion for teaching was solidified in high school when she taught English to refugees at a community center, discovering her love for explaining things to others. “I feel honored to spend time with these children and help build up their confidence so they can become mathematicians or scientists,” Christina added. “Being in the classroom, I am reconfirming that I am going to be a teacher.”
Ms. Hershey, reflecting on her own journey, recognizes the special connection she has with Christina as a fellow Longhorn. “I was so fortunate to be a student teacher at UT Elementary. My cooperating teacher was Ms. Wakim, who is also a College of Ed graduate, so the cycle continues. If I can have even a small impact on the next generation of teachers, I am happy to help in any way I can.”
Christina graduates from UT Austin this month and is excited about her future as a classroom teacher. “We all have a favorite teacher who made a lasting impact in our lives, and I want to be that teacher for someone,” she said.
