Teacher Tuesday: Teaching With TAC

In grade school, high school and college, one teacher remained my favorite throughout the years – Mrs. Grisé from 4^th grade.

There was something special about Mrs. Grisé that I still smile about to this day, and that’s saying a lot since memories of my school years are not happy ones. 

Sure, she was pretty and warm-hearted and fun, but the reason she still holds the title of THE FAVE goes so much deeper than that.

Did you ever have a teacher who looked at you and really saw you – who you were, who you wanted to be, what you liked, what you didn’t like, recognized both your strengths and your weaknesses – and cared enough to teach you while considering all that stuff? That was Mrs. Grisé.

I couldn’t put into words as to why Mrs. Grise was the BEST TEACHER IN THE WORLD until I heard Mr. Terrill, Executive Director of Shepherds College, talk about a teaching philosophy used in our program:

Teach to the norm
Accommodate those who need extra support
Challenge the advanced

This is exactly what Mrs. Grisé did for me and, I’m sure, every student who ever occupied a desk in her classroom. She taught in such a way that we could all understand the content, if not all the concepts. She knew where each of us would need support and provided it in such a way that we didn’t feel embarrassed or singled out, and she was always prepared with ways to take her assignments to the next level – challenge questions, extra activities, craft ideas to support the lesson, story ideas, advanced reading material…

Now, imagine an entire school staffed with teachers like Mrs. Grisé…

I can imagine classes that are interesting, relevant and creative.

I can see assistants always on hand to help students who are struggling or who just need a little extra support.

I can see teachers who come to class with resourceful ideas to challenge the students who are ahead on subjects so learning doesn’t stop, but remains ongoing and fresh.

I see struggling students working with students who “get it” – students who are benefitting from working with a peer, and students who are learning to serve and lead others.

I hope, in your mind’s eye, that you saw what I see every day – a “typical” classroom at Shepherds College.

 

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.

Friday's Top Five: What You Need to Know

Right now, I’d like to spend some one-on-one time with all of you students out there. If you’re considering Shepherds College even the tiniest bit for yourself or someone else, please read this blog because for my last post at Shepherds College, I want to be completely honest with you. I want to let you in on the little secret of what Shepherds College is really like.

There are some things that you need to know about Shepherds College, so I’ve put together a list to share with you. Here’s the scoop:

1. You will have countless incredible opportunities at Shepherds College.

One of the many great things about Shepherds College is the fact that they provide so much hands-on learning. Applied learning is used regularly in the classroom, but in my opinion, the best hands-on experience at Shepherds College is your internship. All students are required to complete an internship during their third year of school. What a unique opportunity! It’s not every day that you get to trade exams and classrooms for the chance to gain firsthand experience in the field you want to work in. 

Melissa working at her internship site

But the opportunities do not stay tied to the educational or vocational aspects. Shepherds College offers you opportunities in residential life, too. When you live on campus, you learn how to share living space with other people, how to maintain your home, and how to handle your personal finances. You’ll also have a great chance to get involved with residential life activities like going bowling, attending baseball games, having a pizza party, or enjoying a bonfire. How fun is that? Needless to say, the opportunities abound at Shepherds College.

Zoe enjoying his day at the beach

2. You will learn many new and exciting things at Shepherds College.

I know this one seems pretty obvious since Shepherds College is a school and schools are usually associated with learning, but students here learn so much more than what’s in the textbooks. You will learn how to give a speech, resolve conflict, grow a relationship, live for Christ, plant flowers, bake cupcakes, apply for a job, prepare for an interview, dress professionally, clean your room, and go grocery shopping. And that’s just to name a few of the things you will learn at Shepherds College! There’s a lot of learning going on around here, and believe me, you do not want to miss out.

Miss Houk helping Gloria prepare dinner

3. You will find wonderful role models at Shepherds College.

The teachers at Shepherds College are the best, and I’m not just saying that. I really mean it. What makes these teachers so great is the fact that they don’t confine the student-teacher relationships to the classroom. They’re available outside of class to counsel students, help them with their studies, offer advice, or just hang out. They really want to build friendships, and I think that’s so important.

Everybody needs someone to look up to, and it is crucial for the teachers at Shepherds College to be those positive role models to their students. The teachers look out for their students because they want them to succeed in all areas of life, not just in the classroom.

Mrs. Luchterhand and Kelsie

4. You will make many fantastic new friends at Shepherds College.

Here’s what I love about Shepherds College: the sense of camaraderie among the students. Of course, just like the rest of us, there are days with disagreements or bad moods, but overall, the students truly love and care for each other.

They are all diverse. They have different likes and dislikes. They have distinctive personalities. Some are outgoing. Some are shy. Some are gentle while others are impulsive. But they make it all work. 

Donovan and Dallas

When you graduate from Shepherds College, I guarantee you will have numerous friends, but you will also have an extra family, the Shepherds College family. And no matter where you go or what you do in life, you will always have that connection. Who wouldn’t want to have a bond like that?

Daniella and Lindsay

5. You will be challenged and encouraged to do your very best at Shepherds College.

Who likes mediocrity? My guess is no one does. We all like to excel, and whether we appreciate it or not at the time, we need to be pushed to do our best. The people at Shepherds College will do that. They will support you and persuade you to be the best that you can be at every moment of every day. Teachers will push you academically. The staff will push you spiritually. Fellow students will push you socially. Encourage, encourage, encourage. Think what you could do with all of that positive sharpening.

Kyle studying Horticulture

Daniel and Annie studying Culinary Arts

At some point in our lives, we’ve all been told that we can’t do something. Well, at Shepherds College, they tell you that you can. You can do it. It is possible. Spread your wings and follow those dreams. With the proper goals and the right motivation, you can accomplish so much more than you think you can. Shepherds College wants to help you see that.

Samuel spending time in God's Word

                                                                

Aren’t you glad you now know what Shepherds College is really like? Pretty good secrets, huh? I’m delighted I could share them with you, and I hope you will consider Shepherds College for yourself or the student in your life.

During my first week at Shepherds College, I heard a student say, “We’ve had a college experience like none other.” I would certainly have to agree with her. Shepherds College truly is an experience like none other. And that’s no secret.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.