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Lauren Anaya
I started working as a clinician at SLC in my Junior Year of college. As a Child Development major, my work at SLC helped me to make a connection between my coursework and real-life application. When I began student teaching, I felt comfortable and natural working with students and didn't hesitate to take initiative or step right in. In addition, I was definitely better able to identify and address the learning needs of the struggling students in my classes. I was complemented by master teachers as well as supervisors for my ability to differenciate instruction and trying new approaches for reaching students.
Perhaps the most impacting was the opportunity SLC (and Jill) gave me to compete in the current teaching job market. Two years ago, hardly any districts were hiring and those that were, had a large pool of qualified prospects to choose from. I was a 24 year-old, newly-credentialed teacher who had never had a classroom of her own. I thought my attainment of a teaching job was hopeless. However, in my first interview, the panel questioned me on my experiences and background that qualified me to be an effective teacher. I told them of my history with SLC, the programs and strategies I have used, and the range of students I have helped to become more successful.
I was one of the few teachers hired by my district that year.
and...
I was one of only two temporary employees that was able to keep my position last year.
and...
I was one of the few new teachers that is keeping her job next year.
Next year (my 3rd year), I will be tenured. I cannot even imagine having the success I have had without having worked at SLC.
Thanks a million!
I loved the time I spent working at SLC (so much that I just keep coming back each summer!). Although I like my job teaching 2nd grade, I often tell others that my work at SLC gives me the opportunity to really do what I love doing, helping students. Although I strive to do this in my classroom, the dynamics of a class of 20 (and now 25) individuals does not always make it possible to give unique, individualized instruction based on each students' needs. I can, and have, done this at SLC. In addition, I have seen huge growth in students that could have been potentially "overlooked" in a classroom.
And now for the fun stuff...My favorite memories are:
... of the staff playing Pop 5! on a lunch break. Getting my team to guess MC Hammer by doing the "Hammertime" dance or trying to guess "Reading Rainbow" from a lump of clay...
...trying to learn PACE! Ah! I felt so dumb...
...having UNO tournaments...
...all of the summer themes ( I was Japan, a bee, bowling, an elephant, and now a puffer fish!)...
...Medieval Times!...
...Bowling Night(s)!...
...Christmas party at BJ's...
...Secret Santa, Buddy, etc., playing tricks, giving treats, decorating Billy and Rebecca's stations with Giant Santa, putting Giant Pumpkin Man in Laura's office...
