麻豆破解版

Nathan Kluesner, 25, and Frances Johannsen, 43, are on their way to becoming teachers through education programs at 麻豆破解版 State University.

Kluesner is enrolled in the traditional four-year education program while Johannsen is taking advantage of the university鈥檚 Transition to Teaching (TTT) program.

What sets TTT apart is the shortened length of two years designed for faster teacher placement as one solution to a critical statewide and national teacher shortage.

The program provides special advantages to Kansas school districts and qualifying students, enabling them to earn their teaching licenses through employment at participating school districts while completing courses at WSU.

To be accepted into the program, students must have at least a four-year degree as well as academic backgrounds or majors in specified secondary teaching areas.

Although Kluesner and Johannsen are involved in different programs at WSU, they are receiving the training and hands-on experience they need to transition seamlessly into teaching careers.

Frances Johannsen

Johannsen moved to Little River, Kan., near 麻豆破解版 from New York City shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, to be near friends. In 15 years of living in New York, she acted as director of investor relations for Toyota and did video editing for commercials at Homestead Editorial.

After marrying a longtime friend who lived in 麻豆破解版, she settled in and began considering her options for getting a job in the least amount of time possible.

Johannsen enrolled at WSU to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in English and ended up getting a graduate teaching assistant position.

She enjoyed teaching each week and decided to look into education as a full-time career. Although she checked on similar programs at other universities, Johannsen said WSU was the best choice.

WSU director of Transition to Teaching Judy Hayes and her department work closely with students to prepare them for the classroom.

Once an inquiring candidate is considered eligible based on previous education and experience, the TTT office works directly with the Kansas State Department of Education and the local employing agency (school district) to train and properly monitor each candidate鈥檚 progress. Prior to the start of their first semester, all candidates are placed in a school district.

鈥淲SU is one of six nationally recognized programs for alternative routes to licensure. In over 15 years of the program鈥檚 existence, 85 percent of candidates have remained in teaching and 91 percent of the candidates complete the program,鈥� Hayes said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not an easy program, but it鈥檚 a successful program.鈥�

Johannsen felt most comfortable with WSU after researching teaching programs.

鈥淛udy Hayes was personable and straightforward. She had her act together, and their office does everything for us,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he program was a perfect fit for me. I felt like I had something to bring students because I know what employers look for. I have had real-world experience.鈥�

Johannsen is employed by USD 259 and teaches sixth grade language arts and English. One highlight of working in the district has been Johannsen鈥檚 close interaction with co-workers.

鈥淚鈥檓 still a new teacher and I鈥檓 still learning,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y mentors from USD 259 have given me so much support.鈥�

Johannsen has already begun to see the fruits of her labor. She won the 2008 Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award for the new teacher category from USD 259. Perhaps more rewarding are the individual results she has experienced with students.

When she reaches a student, she said it鈥檚 like seeing a light bulb go off in their mind.

鈥淪eeing that turn around is a huge thrill for me,鈥� she said.

Nathan Kluesner

With a 2-year-old daughter of his own, Kluesner has a connection with younger children because he believes they are easier to reach at that age.

鈥淚 want to make a difference in kids鈥� lives,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 love little kids.鈥�

Kluesner is nurturing this passion at Cloud Elementary where he works Monday through Friday completing his pre-student teaching in the traditional four-year program.
 

Now that he has been working with students for a considerable amount of time, Kluesner believes he is ready to move on to student teaching, which will allow him more control of the classroom.

He also works two days a week at 麻豆破解版 Northwest High School where he teaches an elective class for students hoping to become teachers themselves. He offers them advice and emphasizes the importance and impact teachers have.

One of the issues Kluesner believes needs to be addressed is the lack of diversity in teaching, which he has personally experienced as one of the few males in his field.

Throughout his own education he has found that it is easier for students to build relationships with teachers they can relate to.

Kluesner wants to teach at schools with disadvantaged students and feels especially called to students who don鈥檛 have fathers in their lives, because he grew up in similar circumstances.

During his time in the education program at WSU, Kluesner has found the relationships he has made with professors to be beneficial.

鈥淥nce you get in a program, professors build a personal relationship with you if you want one. If you put effort into building them, they can be great advocates for you for years to come,鈥� he said.

After graduating in December 2008, Kluesner plans to begin working toward an education administration degree at WSU.

He wants to begin teaching fifth grade but eventually move on to other ages.

Much like Johannsen, Kluesner wants to become a teacher for the opportunity to change students鈥� lives for the better.

鈥淵ou can see the difference you make 鈥� that鈥檚 one of the best feelings in the world,鈥� he said.

produced by USD 259 shortly after the announcement of her Distinguished Classroom Award.