Try Teaching: Participants

Comments from some of the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Participants
Marsha Black, a data manager and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Susan Brock at Bell Central Elementary in Bell County	"Try Teaching is a wonderful program! It gives participants have actual classroom experience to determine if teaching is a fit. It is a FANTASTIC way for people to see if teaching is right for them!" - Marsha Black
Catherine Blair, an environmental scientist and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Frances Carter at Southwestern High School in Pulaski County. She decided to earn teacher certification after participating in Try Teaching.	"I knew teaching was right for me as soon as I stood up in front of the class! I can't wait to get started on my certification!" - Catherine Blair
LeeWood Goodlett, an administrative specialist and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Stacey Logue and Alicia Nichols at King Middle School in Mercer County. She is now a graduate of EKU's Master of Arts in Teaching certification program and teaching in Mercer County.	"It is a great experience - one can see if teaching is really something to pursue." - LeeWood Goodlett
Angel King, a mental health specialist and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Liese Rhodus & Kara Tatum at Model Laboratory School, EKU	"Anyone who is thinking about teaching should be in this program." - Angel King
Jaana Kwiecinski, a community volunteer and former social worker and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Mike Reister and Chrissy Justice in Madison County schools.	"You get a glimpse of school life- what it is for teachers and students. It's an eye opener if you are interested in teaching as a profession." - Jaana Kwiecinski
Tina McLane, a retail manager and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Scottie Eakin at Henry Clay High School in Fayette County.	"I called the two week period my 'vocation vacation' during which I was finally able to decide on this change in my career."
Ed Simpson, a medical technologist and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Penny Caudill and Beverly White at North Laurel High School in Laurel County. He about to completed EKU's Master of Arts in Teaching certification program.	"This short time in the classroom provides a perspective that allows one to decide whether teaching is a good career move, or not." - Ed Simpson
Rebecca Parrish, a stay-at-home mom and a former financial services consultant and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Model High School, EKU. She is now enrolled in EKU's Master of Arts in Teaching certification program.	"I gained 'real life' experience in the classroom that helped me make a decision about a teaching career." - Rebecca Parrish
Edward Powe, retired grant administrator and Try Teaching participant, partnered with Vicki Tidwell at Second Street School in the Frankfort Independent School District.	"I have enjoyed teaching in my career and hope to make a difference as a role model." - Edward Powe

Karen Pratt, an administrative assistant for EKU's Division of Natural Areas, partnered with Vivian Bowles and Jennifer Ramsay in the Madison County School District.	"This program allowed me to step into an elementary and 7th grade classroom to observe, participate, and compare how science is taught in different grades. I was able to check to see what school setting would be the best fit for me."
Scott Grigg, a industry chemist for over 30 years, worked partnered with Marilyn Collins in the Madison County School District.He is now enrolled in EKU's Master of Arts in Teaching certification program and teaching high school.	"Try Teaching is a great way to sample teaching before committing a lot of time and money to a entering a career that a person might not like."
Elaine Rietzel-Panke worked in the fields of marketing, business management, and business administration since 1979 and decided to earn teacher certification after participating in Try Teaching.	"Try Teaching is super! It gives participants the opportunity to explore teaching before committing time, energy and financial resources to obtaining a teaching certification."
Maria Jayme-Martin, a business owner, partnered with Sharon Flynn in the Pulaski County School District.	"I enjoyed being with teachers and getting to know the daily ins and outs of the teaching profession."
Lucius Winding, a retired General Motors executive, partnered with Kristen Koch in the Fayette County School District.	"I really didn't know what a teacher's duties were on a daily basis. This process really opened my eyes about the challenges of teaching."
Rick Atkins, business owner and former business manager, partnered with Eric Jackson in the Fayette County School District. He is now enrolled in EKU's Master of Arts in Teaching certification program.	I wish more business people and professionals would commit to spending some time in the classrooms each year to share their real-world experience."
Karen Nantz, a Community Action administrator, partnered with Shawn Sizemore and Amy Gaines in the Laurel County School District. She is now enrolled in EKU's Master of Arts in Teaching certification program.	"My experience with Try Teaching eased my concerns about classroom management as I observed seasoned teachers addressing issues, keeping students on task, and conveying content using a variety of resources and strategies for effective learning."