The University of Arkansas at
Monticello prepares students for teaching in the middle
schools through its Physical Development of Early
Adolescence class.
Marla Ramirez, assistant professor of education, said she
believes teachers must be able to understand the
child in order to be able to teach effectively.
The program allows students to listen to conversations and observe
the movements and attitudes of young people ages 10 – 15
outside the classroom. They mingle with the children in
the hallways while changing class, during their lunch
hour and on campus during recess.
"This technique helps teachers understand what goes on in the
minds of these young people out of class," Ramirez said.
Participating students Ben Higginbotham and Tim Bell said they feel the
program provides them the opportunity to be better
prepared to help students in the future. Both observe at
Monticello Middle School during their free time.
"I became interested in the program because I felt it would give me
a chance to help kids this age with their problems,"
Higginbotham said. "I love kids and I know if they do
well in school it will help them later in life."
Bell said his interest in young people began at an early age when
he watched his aunt teach adolescents in her classes in
Little Rock.
Students study the development of the adolescent child from
prenatal stages through adolescence. They learn what
happens during the different stages of growth and how it
could affect the child.
Higginbotham and Bell need to take nine more hours of middle school
preparation, which includes the planning and delivering
of classes. Afterwards, they will student teach for a
semester.
"We need more middle school teachers
statewide," Ramirez said. "The demand remains very high,
so if you want a job right out of college, teaching is
it!"
If interested in teaching in middle schools, contact the UAM school
of Education at 460-1062.
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