RCOE International Student Teaching Spring 08

My name is Megan Wiedenman. I am in the elementary education program and have a concentration in social sciences. I cannot wait to become a classroom teacher. I appreciate the constant joy and positive nature of children during these years, they always know how to cheer me up and make me laugh. I love that they are willing and interested in the learning process. Children's enthusiasm and excitement are what keep me motivated to be a wonderful teacher. My goal as a teacher is to have an impact on each of my students’ lives. If I teach to be remembered by my students, then I know that I will always remain passionate.

Within the teaching program I have welcomed the many and varied experiences I have been able to participate in. I have worked extensively with Kindergarten and third grade and have been surprised at how much I have learned in each encounter. I am grateful for the opportunity to observe and be a part of widely varied classrooms and teachers, so that I have been able to learn valuable and unique information from each location in order to more fully develop my own philosophies of teaching.

I decided to be a part of International Student Teaching because I want to learn about education throughout the world and experience different cultures with a purpose outside of tourism and personal travel. I look forward to learning the traditions and daily routines of Costa Rica and I cannot wait to share my experiences and cultural knowledge with my family, friends, and future students. I hope to build personal and professional relationships and bond with each new person that I meet, so that I will never forget the faces of Costa Rica.

I have traveled considerably throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean but have limited travel experience outside of tourist destinations. I love traveling to new places and am excited to become a part of Costa Rica and bring Costa Rica into my life.