Emily Bunch has wanted to be a teacher since she was in kindergarten. Thanks to Terrell High School’s teaching track, Emily is one step closer to making her dreams come true. The Terrell High School junior is in her second year of the “Tiger Tracks to Teaching” program which provides students with the knowledge needed to become a teacher.
While Emily is no stranger to the teaching profession - her mom has been a Pre-K teacher for as long as she can remember - Emily shared that the classes she has been able to take has helped her to learn different teaching styles and strategies.
As a sophomore Emily began the program by enrolling in two courses - Principles of Education and Training and Human Growth and Development. Now in her second year, she has been able to gain real world experience with her Instructional Practices class.
“We visit elementary classrooms two to three days a week,” Emily shared. “I love that we are not sitting in classrooms all day taking notes. I have been able to design bulletin boards, teach a lesson and provide one-on-one and small group instruction.
Each semester, students are paired with a different elementary teacher at a different campus. Emily shared that being able to be paired with a different teacher has been beneficial. “I have been able to observe and pick up different teaching styles and strategies,” she said.
When asked what kind of teacher she wants to be, Emily was quick to answer. “In third grade I had a teacher who was my inspiration - Ms. Fisher at Wood Elementary. She was young, engaging and helpful. Ms. Fisher did a lot of hands-on activities with stations and group work. Because of her, I got a perfect score on my STAAR math test. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be.”
Terrell High School Instructional Practices teacher, Ms. Deborah Smith, has full faith that Emily will become an incredible teacher. “Emily exemplifies dedication, integrity, and professionalism in everything she does,” shared Ms. Smith. “ She is a true role model for her peers and a joy to teach.”
Emily, who is on track to graduate with her Associate Degree, would like to attend East Texas A&M University and obtain her degree in Organizational Leadership while simultaneously obtaining her teaching certificate.
I am grateful that Terrell ISD has the Teaching Tracks program,” shared Emily. “And while I know that school is a place where students learn, it is also a safe place for some students. More than anything, I want my future students to know that my classroom will be a place where they feel like they belong.”