Visit SF State - Word on the Street - Lauren Mishork
Name...
Lauren Mishork
Title...
Grad Student, Elementary Education
Hometown...
Richmond, CA
Why SF State..?
I was drawn in by the diversity, the large student population and liberal views. SF State also offered an accelerated, four-year blended B.A. and credential program for entering freshmen called Liberal Studies Integrated Teacher Education (LSITE). It was the perfect program for me because I could start studying courses in my major and for my credential at the same time as completing general education coursework. The program also allowed me to finish faster than a traditional fifth-year credential program.
Why liberal studies..?
Liberal studies provided the perfect backdrop for teaching in an elementary school classroom because I got to study a little bit of everything. The same semester I was studying meteorology, I was also taking American Indian Oral Literature and Concepts of the Number System. [Liberal studies] has given me a wide range of knowledge.
Extracurricular activities...
I helped launch SF State's chapter of the California Student Teachers Association for students interested in becoming teachers or those already in credential programs.
Favorite class so far...
It's a toss-up between Art 450, Art for Children with Julia Marshall, and Elementary Education 681, Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies with Jean Rocchio. Not only did I learn a lot about teaching those subjects to children, but I also had a blast doing it. The assignments were realistic and practical and I knew that those professors truly cared about us succeeding and becoming better teachers.
Favorite place to relax on campus...
On a sunny day I like to lie out on the grass in the quad. We really have a beautiful campus and the grounds and gardens are so well-kept that it's nice to be able to sit outside and enjoy it.
Couldn't live without...
My family.
Last book(s) read...
"Doing What Scientists Do: Children Learn to Investigate Their World" by Ellen Doris, and Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Advice to new students...
Come with an open mind as you will constantly be surrounded by different views and opinions. Hook up early with a great adviser. I don't think I could have gotten through so quickly and smoothly without the help of my program adviser.
Best-kept secret at SF State...
The Cahill Learning Lab in Burk Hall is a terrific hot spot for future teachers. It is a mini computer lab and library that houses the current textbooks being used by elementary schools in the San Francisco Unified School District, as well as the materials that go with them. They also have teachers' workshops, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and always warm and welcoming.
