2009-2010 Residency Teaching at Valdez Elementary, Literacy
I am 31 and grew up in New Jersey and moved to Colorado as a teenager. I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Journalism. I worked for eight years as a reporter for several newspapers in Colorado and Florida on the crime beat. My husband, daughter and I live in Denver.
I was pursuing a teaching certificate when I heard about Denver Teacher Residency and its commitment to students in urban schools, particularly “at-risk” students. The more I learned about the program, the more I felt that it had been custom designed for me. The mentoring, specially-designed master’s coursework and residency model were highlights. It was everything I wanted and more in a teaching program.
As a resident at Montclair Elementary, the thing I enjoyed most about my residency year was being paired with a mentor teacher who mentored and helped me develop my own teaching style, rituals and routines. Her support was invaluable and key to my learning process. I also love the students! There’s nothing better than a bunch of eager kids – they are awesome little people. The biggest challenge I see is the need for more one-on-one time with students, especially those who struggle academically whether it be because of language or pacing.
Sarah Cohen – Valdez Elementary, Literacy
2009-2010 Residency
Teaching at Valdez Elementary, Literacy
I am 31 and grew up in New Jersey and moved to Colorado as a teenager. I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Journalism. I worked for eight years as a reporter for several newspapers in Colorado and Florida on the crime beat. My husband, daughter and I live in Denver.
I was pursuing a teaching certificate when I heard about Denver Teacher Residency and its commitment to students in urban schools, particularly “at-risk” students. The more I learned about the program, the more I felt that it had been custom designed for me. The mentoring, specially-designed master’s coursework and residency model were highlights. It was everything I wanted and more in a teaching program.
As a resident at Montclair Elementary, the thing I enjoyed most about my residency year was being paired with a mentor teacher who mentored and helped me develop my own teaching style, rituals and routines. Her support was invaluable and key to my learning process. I also love the students! There’s nothing better than a bunch of eager kids – they are awesome little people. The biggest challenge I see is the need for more one-on-one time with students, especially those who struggle academically whether it be because of language or pacing.