Alcorn State University News July 2017 Student teachers participate in annual Pre-Service Seminar Three future educators from Alcorn State University's Department of Education and Psychology are making strides toward becoming teachers. Kyree Freeman, Jerenisha Thomas and Deajanae Knight, all seniors and elementary education majors, participated in the annual Pre-Service Seminar Monday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 26 in the Walter Washington Administration Building. The seminar exposes student teachers to various teaching tasks, legal issues in education, professional knowledge and professional practices in the field of elementary and secondary education. Although anxious about her teaching debut, Kyree is looking forward to starting a career as an educator, which is something that she is passionate about. "I'm very nervous, but also excited because this has been a long time coming for me," said Kyree. "I'm happy to have finally reached the beginning stage of my teaching career." As Deajanae reflected on her upcoming teaching career, she remembered the joy she experienced while learning from some of her former educators. Daejanae plans to use the lessons she learned from them to make her classroom just as enjoyable. "I can still remember how my former teachers made learning so much fun and engaging," said Daejanae. "They set high expectations for their classrooms and ensured my classmates and I achieved those expectations. I want to recreate some of those same experiences with my future students." For Jerenisha, being a positive influence in the students' lives is what fuels her passion for teaching. She hopes to be a great role model for her students. "I'm really looking forward to making an impact in the students' lives," said Jerenisha. "The children are the future, so I feel that it is my duty as a teacher to prepare my students to not only excel in the classroom, but also in the world as great citizens." Dr. LaShundia Carson, director of student teaching and field experience in the Department of Education and Psychology, believes the seminar is an eye opening experience that's necessary for the students' development. "This opportunity gives the interns first hand knowledge of the preparation it takes in order to get ready for the school year," said Carson. "This preparation will ensure that they will become successful certified teachers in Mississippi." SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/