By Alexa Jakobi, Contributing Writer
Exhausted but determined, at 6:30 a.m., Kimberly Jimenez adjusts her professional attire in front of her dorm room mirror, preparing for another demanding day of student teaching at nearby Amherst Middle School. Like many of her fellow education majors in their final semester, Jimenez represents the next generation of educators being shaped by Daemen’s rigorous teaching program.
“The transition from being a student to becoming a teacher has been eye-opening,” Jimenez said. “You think you understand what teaching entails from your coursework, but being in front of a classroom of seventh graders brings a whole new perspective to the profession.”
The Education Department at Daemen University currently has 45 student teachers placed across western New York schools, each completing their required 14-week practical experience under the guidance of mentor teachers and university supervisors.
Dr. Tara Kaczorowski, the chair director of the education department, emphasizes the program’s comprehensive approach.
“Our student teachers don’t just learn classroom management and curriculum delivery,” Kaczorowski said. “They’re immersed in the full spectrum of educational responsibilities, from parent communications to administrative duties. This real-world experience is invaluable.”
For Jimenez, a typical day involves arriving an hour before classes begin to review lesson plans with her mentor teacher, conducting four social studies classes, attending faculty meetings, and providing after-school assistance to struggling students. She then returns to campus for evening education seminars and lesson planning.
Colleen Wilkinson, a professor who mentors Daemen students, has observed significant growth in her current student teacher.
“What impresses me most about our Daemen students is their adaptability,” Wilkinson said while supervising afternoon dismissal. “Jessica, for instance, recently handled a technology failure during a crucial lesson by smoothly transitioning to an alternative activity. That kind of quick thinking can’t be taught in a lecture hall.”
The program’s intensity is deliberate, preparing future teachers for the multifaceted demands of modern education. Student teachers must balance classroom responsibilities with their own academic requirements, including detailed reflection journals and portfolio development.
Despite the challenges, the experience has reinforced Jimenez’s career choice.
“There are moments when I’m completely exhausted,” Jimenez said while preparing materials for the next
day’s American Revolution lesson. “But then a student finally understands a difficult concept, and their face lights up. That’s when I know this is exactly where I should be.”
As the spring semester progresses, these aspiring educators move closer to becoming certified teachers, carrying with them the practical experience and professional insights gained through Daemen University’s comprehensive program. For Jimenez and her peers, each challenging day brings them one step closer to leading their own classrooms.