By Jordan Hildebrand ’26, staff writer
As graduation approaches, many students have already begun preparing for their futures; Katie Price is no exception.
Price, an English and secondary education double major, is preparing for the teaching profession and is leaving behind some of her wisdom for incoming education majors to take with them.
College can be stressful, especially when students participate in many activities. However, this is good for developing skills helpful for multitasking, which jobs will require. Price herself is considering how she can incorporate this into her future.
“The most helpful element of my college experience has been my observation and student teaching experiences,” Price said. “Starting in the classroom helped me to see teaching practically, separate from being a student. Everything I’ve done since then has been a learning experience that will help me build confidence in my teaching career. In-classroom experiences that were built into my courses were the perfect foundation for my future career.”
At LVC, Price is a Valley Ambassador, involved in music ensembles and a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. She attributes her preparedness for the classroom to these experiences.
“Having the opportunity to be involved in a variety of organizations on campus helped me see the importance of things outside of schoolwork,” Price said. “This created an open presence in the classroom and the ability to support students involved in various activities outside of the classroom.”
Now that student teaching has concluded, there is room for internal reflection; Price can now consider what she wants her classroom to be like.
“I am most excited to have the opportunity to decorate my own classroom and create a space that students feel comfortable in,” Price said. “I am most nervous to step into a new environment and work with new people. I am also nervous to have full responsibility of teaching students on me instead of sharing that responsibility with another teacher.”
While the pressure of being the sole resource in your classroom is significant, Price’s hands-on experience has prepared her well, thanks to four years of practice under the supervision of LVC’s education department.
“I see myself being successful in building bonds with students,” Price said. “During my semester of student teaching, I attended sporting events and musicals that my students participated in. It has been so great to get to know them all and connect with them on their interests. My various experiences connecting with peers and other members of the LVC community helped me with creating those connections with students.”
At the end of her college career, Price is thankful that she chose to pursue a degree in education.
“The advice I would give anyone considering a major in English with a concentration in education is to just dive in,” Price said. “If you don’t take that first step, you’ll never know if teaching could be the pathway for you. It ever hurts to take that chance and see if it’s something you could love.”
All in all, Price is looking forward to the next few years of her life. She’s accepted a job teaching 9th and 10th grade English at Hamburg High School.
