Student Teaching Syllabus

Iowa Core Curriculum Essential Concepts and Skills

Why it was a good idea to student teach in Council Bluffs - Omaha Region!

Student teaching in Omaha has been a really good experience for me. I have a great cooperating teacher. It's been very interesting to work with students from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and to see how students react to, and learn from each other. I'm glad I chose to come to Omaha, I'm gaining experience that wouldn't be possible to get if I were student teaching in a small town in Iowa.

Holly Guinn - Beveridge Jr. High

At first I was uneasy about coming to Council Bluffs. Now that I am here I am excited about the learning opportunities I am having. The Council Bluffs student teaching region is very supportive. Among other student teachers, supervisors, U.N.I. Cadre teachers, or the Goals 2000 Committee, there are many people to reach to for support and advice.

Tina Hagedon - Washington Elementary

Coming to Council Bluffs was the best thing that could have happened to me! My experience here has been great – my teacher is awesome, my students are a lot of fun (not to mention challenging), and the city itself has a lot of interesting stuff to do. It’s a great place to grow professionally and personally. Everyone is so willing to work with you, too. Just some words of advice: make sure you get plenty of sleep, get some good vitamins, and take the time to plan ahead!

Terri Groshens - Roosevelt Elementary

I think student teaching in the metro area is a good idea because it provides prospective teachers with a very good experience. Student teachers area able to experience a diversity that is not present in many of the other regions while being part of a very good school system. The Council Bluffs/Omaha region also offers many things to do outside of school. The combination of the exciting options of the metro area and the school system make the Council Bluffs/Omaha region an excellent place to student teach.

Alex Glade - Monroe Jr. High

Omaha has provided the opportunities I needed to feel comfortable teaching in various situations. It is an urban setting with the challenges of an urban population. Omaha also has the feel of a small mid west town. The people are friendly and willing to help in any way they can. In the art field the curriculum is set throughout the Omaha Public Schools. Each grade has specific themes and emphasis to aid in planning for the desired outcomes.

Sharon Burlage - Beal Elementary

At first I had many questions about student teaching in the metro area. Where would I live? Who would I live with? How could I possibly survive the metro area? All of my questions were answered quickly and within a week of living in Council Bluffs, I felt comfortable and relaxed. The center provides the student teachers with a list of available apartments and a map of the city.

Student teaching in Council Bluffs gives you a chance to work with wonderful, experienced teachers who are willing to share their class with you for eight weeks. The cooperating teachers offer support, encouragement, and resources for you.

Council Bluffs also has a wide range of students. No matter what school you are placed in, the students are diverse and different in every classroom. Whatever kind of setting you are looking for, you can find in the metro area.

Finally, there are 25 other student teachers here with you. Meet new friends, see the sites, and plan together. Remember, you are not alone in the move and this is the beginning of your future career.

Debra Henkel, Spring 99 - Hoover Elementary

I decided to student teach in Omaha because I wanted to experience a more urban setting. I wanted to challenge myself as a teacher and a person. I really didn’t know what to expect but I was excited to give it a try. I could have never imagined what I got. So far student teaching in OPS has been a pleasant surprise. The school I am placed in is great and the faculty works well together. The road ahead of me has been paved by other UNI students who have made a good impression. I only hope I can contribute to that legacy.

Joyce Behrens - Dundee Elementary

I have had a great experience while student teaching in Council Bluffs. Council Bluffs Schools offer a wide variety of diverse backgrounds and students. Each day is full of its own challenges and rewards. The students, staff, and my cooperating teachers are awesome. I have been amazed by how many of the teachers at Kirn are UNI graduates. Although Council Bluffs may seem a long ways from UNI, after teaching here I would definitely consider staying in the area.

Carrie Doonan - Kirn Jr. High

I didn’t especially want to student teach in Council Bluffs, but it has turned out to be a fabulous experience. My cooperating teacher has been better than my highest expectations, and the rest of the school staff has been extremely supportive. The are supervisors and other student teachers have made expressing concerns and gaining advice a priceless experience. Not student teaching in Council Bluffs would have been a huge mistake for my career.

Alicia Groshorn - Lewis Central Middle School

Council Bluffs is an excellent place in which to student teach. A high quality education and many unique opportunities are provided to student teachers in safe environments. As a student teacher, I have observed numerous teaching styles and techniques and have been able to practice them in the classroom as well.

Stefanie Marshall - Kirn Jr. High