Early childhood education students leave to student-teach in Ecuador

October 23, 2009

Early childhood education majors from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are testing their teaching skills during a six-week visit to Centro de Estudios Interamericanos School in Cuenca, Ecuador. The opportunity was made possible thanks to an exchange agreement signed last April between UW-Whitewater and Centro de Estudios Interamericanos. The seven seniors left for Ecuador on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Since this opportunity to student-teach abroad is one of very few available to early childhood education majors, the students traveling to Ecuador are very excited.

"I am so excited that our professors and the staff at CEDEI (Centro de Estudios Interamericanos) were able to get this program together so quickly," Senior Michelle Malliet said. "I was a bit bummed when I entered the program and found out there were no possibilities for studying abroad and when this opportunity arose I jumped at the chance to take part."

All of the students on the trip said they were looking forward to the opportunities that come with student teaching so far from home.

"I am looking forward to experiencing another culture, especially the educational system," Senior Joanna Haas said. "I hope to gain an understanding of how children are viewed in places and cultures other than the U.S. and use that knowledge to reflect on my own educational philosophy."

The students will stay with host families that have been arranged by the school and will student-teach in classrooms from ages two through fifth grade. The students will develop their own lesson plans that cover all ages and ability levels while in the classroom.

Senior Kelli Slowey feels the trip will help to further her career in education.

"There is no doubt in my mind that I will learn so many wonderful things in Ecuador that will help me work with students and families in my future as an educator," she said. "Putting myself in a situation that is completely different than what I am used to will help me relate to more diverse groups of people in my future."

Senior Rebecca Johnson agreed with Slowey.

"This trip will stay with me long after I return," she said. "I will take what I have learned and apply it to my life and teaching and hopefully pass on my knowledge to others."

After student teaching for the six weeks, the students will return to Whitewater, Sunday, Nov. 22.

For more information on the program contact Simone Devore at devores@uww.edu.