VALDOSTA —
More than 200 students and educators from Valdosta State University’s Department of Early Childhood and Special Education celebrated the official start of the field experience season Thursday evening in the Jerry and Kay Jennett Lecture Hall with the first ever Field Experience Kickoff.
“We wanted to remind our teachers why it is we do what we do,” said Dr. Jessica Baxter, professor of Early Childhood and Special Education and organizer of the event.
Prior to the semester-long student teaching experience, Early Childhood Education majors complete a series of three practicums, spending two full days a week, for a number of weeks, in a designated classroom. This time gives students the opportunity to relate their theoretical lessons to real life events within a school setting.
Students were presented with prizes, pizza and plenty of motivation to last a lifetime.
Kevin Dobbs, J.L. Newbern Middle School assistant principal and a teaching veteran of eight years, described a journey to what he calls the best job in the world.
“Relationships, relationships, relationships,” said Dobbs. “When you build them, they will do almost anything for you.”
J.L. Lomax Elementary School Principal Pam King, who has been in education for 31 years, was brought to tears when describing what her children mean to her.
“I cannot tell you what a joy it is to be a teacher,” said King.
A favorite of many, and academic coach at W.G. Nunn Elementary School, Maggy Moody brought a box of what she calls her “I love you’s.” She showed off a pot holder a child made of her favorite colors, a necklace and a few notes.
While each speaker brought a different story and a new perspective, they all shared a common message of passion.
“Today is about reminding you that you have to do it with passion,” said Baxter.
Though the event featured a fashion show, inspirational speeches, testimonial videos and more, the professor-led rendition of Vanilla Ice’s “Ice, Ice Baby” — which they transformed into “Teach, Teach Baby” with neon shirts and dance moves, including the ‘Dougie’ — was really the icing on the cake.
Students left motivated, filled with passion and ready to conquer the world of academia to shape the youth of today and turn them into the leaders of tomorrow.
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Professors from the Early Childhood and Special Education Department at Valdosta State University ended the first-ever Field Experience Kickoff with a rendition of Vanilla Ice’s “Ice, Ice Baby” that they turned into “Teach, Teach Baby.” Pat Gallagher
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College of Education celebrates field experience kickoff
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