November 21, 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 Melissa Keplinger, Teacher Resident
Norman C. Francis Teacher Residency (NCFTR)
How did you come to find out about the teacher residency program?
I was moving from Atlanta to come back home to New Orleans. I was enrolled in a M.A.T. TESOL program and I wanted to find a program in New Orleans that I could transfer to. During my search, I came across the NCFTR.
Why did you decide to take part in the program?
When I found this program, it checked all the boxes for what I was looking for and then some. The benefits of the program allow me to earn my degree, become a certified teacher, and provides me a paid residency whereas in most other programs, I would have to find a placement and then juggle a full time job in addition to being in a school full time. I don’t have to sacrifice with NCFTR, and they also cover a large part of the tuition.
Before beginning the program, what role(s) did you hold or continue to hold?
I was an assistant pre-Kindergarten teacher for three years looking to become a certified teacher. Before that, I was a paraprofessional for a counseling agency. My bachelor’s degree is in sociology.
How has being part of the program contributed to your life?
I am fulfilled in my role and the support that I am receiving from the program helps to give me confidence in my new role and is helping me to gain the skills to be an effective teacher. Being a teacher resident takes a great deal of stress off my shoulders, allowing me to truly engage in the learning process. Being a part of a paid residency program also allows me to take care of bills and expenses.
What does teaching mean to you?
Teaching, to me, is not only teaching academic content, but also teaching life skills and nurturing young minds to be confident, independent thinkers and overall, decent people. Teaching is preparing students to be successful in their lives and teaching is the ability to reach students in ways that allows them to grasp material.
What are you looking forward to most upon completion?
I am most looking forward to becoming a teacher of record and a master of the content areas of ELA, science, and social studies. This will open the doors for me to ultimately go on to pursue a career in educational leadership.
We invite you to read more stories of teacher residents from our NCTR Network teacher residency programs!
Photo provided by Norman C. Frances Teacher Residency