Grand Rapids — Future educators from Grand Valley State University and Calvin University are benefiting from hands-on experience in the classroom thanks to a partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Buchanan Elementary is one of several schools in the district to open its doors to area college students pursuing careers in education. Buchanan Principal Michael Thomasma, who previously led Stocking Elementary, had a relationship with the GVSU and Calvin education departments that brought education students into the classrooms a few times a week to work on math and reading lessons with Stocking students.
When Thomasma moved to Buchanan following Stocking’s closure, he made sure to maintain that relationship at his new post. He said it’s beneficial all around: It gives college students experience working with small groups of students, and it offers support to the elementary teachers. Plus, it’s a welcome change of pace for students.
“The kids really love working with college kids,” Thomasma said. “They’re engaged and involved.”
During a recent visit to Buchanan, SNN spoke to GVSU education students about their experience.
“It gives us the opportunity to create our own lesson plans, and also look at where the students are at and if we need to change anything,” said GVSU junior Morgan Sprick. “It’s a great process for us.”
Senior Daniella Reed concurred, saying that she’s gained some valuable classroom-management skills during her time at Buchanan.
“This is basically a really good practice for us, to figure out how to manage students, how to teach students, and what’s going to get across to them,” Daniella said.
Buchanan teacher Mike Baas said the student-teachers are a huge help.
“They’re really supporting what we’re doing in the classroom,” Baas said.
Fifth-grader Jacon Velasquez-Raymundo doesn’t mind having the college students around either.
“They’re fun and they’re nice,” Jacon said, smiling. “And they don’t have attitude.”
Read more from Grand Rapids:
• New AP traded a life on stage for one in education
• Local schools get Blue Ribbon designation from MDE
