November 22, 2024 — In celebration of American Education Week, the National Center for Teacher Residencies believes in recognizing the contributions of those who may go unnoticed for the work and talent they bring to classrooms. One impactful role that comes to mind are teacher residents. We are shining a spotlight on teacher residents’ passion and contributions to the field of education by amplifying the real voices and stories of teacher residents across the United States.
Meet Hannah Minton, Graduate
Marian University Klipsch Educators College 4+1 Residency
How did you come to find out about the teacher residency program?
I found out about the Klipsch Educators College Residency Program through the undergraduate program at Marian University. I followed in my sister’s footsteps, attending Marian with a degree in elementary education, but was given the opportunity to take part in the five-year program to get my master’s in education and work alongside a mentor teacher for a residency year.
Why did you decide to take part in the program?
I thought long and hard about what the program would mean for me, but ultimately decided that a yearlong position in a classroom with a mentor teacher would give me a leg up when I started in my own classroom the following year. When you decide to become a teacher, one of the most common tips you receive is to set procedures with your students from the beginning of the year. Through this residency program, I was able to see these procedures implemented and watch how they continued to be reinforced throughout the year. I was able to experience an entire school year co-teaching, growing alongside my students.
Before beginning the program, what role(s) did you hold or continue to hold?
Before beginning the program, I was an undergraduate student at Marian University. At the time, I was completing clinical hours within multiple classrooms around the Indianapolis area, planning activities for the College Mentors for Kids program on campus, and working at an aftercare program through the YMCA. During the program, I was placed in a first-grade classroom in Beech Grove, while taking master’s classes at Marian in the evenings.
How has being part of the program contributed to your life?
Without this program, I would not have had the opportunity to work with some of the most influential and motivated people in the education field. The teacher residency program gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other teachers, analyze student data, reflect on my teaching, and learn best practices within the classroom. The teacher residency program gave me the tools I needed to make me successful in the classroom.
What does teaching mean to you?
Teaching is more than just a job; it is a part of who I am. I chose to become a teacher so that I can give students the opportunity to be the best version of themselves no matter where they come from. I pride myself on creating a safe space for children to learn and advocate for themselves. I want to cultivate not only their minds, but their hearts, so that they grow into kind and educated members of society. While I only get to have each class for a short time, every child will always hold a special place in my heart.
Where are you know since completing the program?
I completed my teacher residency in 2022 and was hired as a second grade teacher in the same district! I absolutely love my coworkers and the community where I teach. In Beech Grove City Schools, we have the motto to “Love Where You Learn,” and our students do just that. When becoming a teacher, I vowed to be a lifelong learner. I am excited to continue my journey as an educator and learner for many years to come.
We invite you to read more stories of teacher residents from our NCTR Network teacher residency programs.
Photo provided by Marian University Klipsch Educators College 4+1 Residency