Student teaching program in Mexico prepares future educators
Released: May 16, 2008
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest report released May 1, 2008, Wisconsin’s Hispanic population increased 4.3 percent from 2006 to 2007, and the census estimates the Hispanic population will continue to grow by about 100,000 this decade alone. To help meet the education needs of this growing population in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is giving education majors the chance to travel to Mexico to complete their student teaching experience.
"As the immigrant population continues to grow in Wisconsin and the United States, the option for student teachers to gain experience in the culture of their prospective students is an invaluable opportunity," said Associate Professor Susan Huss-Lederman.
Huss-Lederman and Instructor Sarah Cohen have been instrumental in pursuing a program to Oaxaca, Mexico, the capital city in the state of Oaxaca. The program initially began through an alumni connection through the College of Education.
"We had a student earn her degree from UW-Whitewater who was originally from Oaxaca," said Huss-Lederman. "After she completed her studies she returned to Oaxaca and provided us with the opportunity for such a program."
According to Cohen, the Colegio Bachielleres Academico de Oaxaca (COBAO) is a high school school district that has one of the best reputations for academic excellence in Oaxaca. "The students are broadening their understanding of culture as well as taking away experiences that will benefit their careers as well as their lifetime," she said.
Zachary Bennett, a UW-Whitewater elementary education major and Joseph Mecha, who received his bachelor of arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in wildlife biology, are currently teaching Mexican students English as a second language.
"I am teaching six groups of 10th grade English," said Bennett. "I am also teaching 11th grade technical English class focusing on the hotel and restaurant industry. In my free time I also hold study halls where any student can come and get help with English or practice speaking, reading, listening and writing the language. These classes are open to any student from 10th through 12th grade that wants to attend. English is only taught to students in 10th and 11th grade at the high school level."
"Student teaching in Mexico is both challenging and exciting," said Mecha. "The education I feel I am gaining is both cultural and personal. I'm getting a great introduction to the rich history of the area. I'm also learning about the public school system and how teachers work with conditions such as more than 40 students in a small classroom, occasional lack of electricity and unexpected cancellations of class."
Despite the differences in culture and schooling, Mecha and Bennett are enjoying their time in Oaxaca.
"Living and working in another country teaches you just as much about your own culture as it does about the culture of the place you are visiting," said Mecha. "I also think that for many students, their final semester of college is a perfect opportunity to explore the world and have some adventures before settling in at a school district state-side, or starting a family. I imagine teaching in a foreign country would look pretty good on a resume, too."
"I think this experience would give anyone the chance to use their creativity, develop their capacity to be patient and flexible, as well as realize no matter where you go you will meet wonderful teachers and students that make this profession worthwhile," added Bennett.
- Keara Lahiff,lahiffkk25@uww.edu
