Education students at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) share a common enthusiasm for learning, as do their professors. Dr. Julie Kauffman, Professor and Coordinator of the TMCC Elementary Education Teacher Preparation Program, emphasizes the importance of enjoying one's work: “It’s important to enjoy what you do. Happy teachers create productive learning environments where students thrive.”
Dr. Kauffman finds joy in her role by maintaining a positive attitude that she believes fuels her students' enthusiasm. She states, “Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm makes me happy.”
Students like Avery Bellows have long been inspired by familial examples to pursue teaching careers. Bellows shares, “I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl! My father is a teacher, so I’d go with him during breaks while he was setting up lesson plans and teaching fake lessons to a fake class using the active boards."
Similarly, Ashlyn Mueller expresses her dedication to education: “I want to become a teacher to make a difference in children’s lives." Camryn Holman reflects on her internship experience at Spanish Springs Elementary: "At the end of my internship, each student gifted me a handwritten letter wishing me luck in my teaching career."
TMCC's Education Teacher Preparation program offers students an opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree through initial coursework. With northern Nevada facing a teacher shortage amid population growth, Dr. Kauffman sees this as an opportune time for aspiring educators: “There are many openings, and the salaries/benefits are getting more competitive."
Kauffman also highlights efforts to incorporate practical experiences into the curriculum: “We plan and conduct math and literacy centers at elementary schools.” The program requires students to engage in fieldwork, providing valuable networking opportunities.
Holman values learning from students’ perspectives and looks forward to completing her associate’s degree in May. Bellows adds that helping others learn has always come naturally: “Explaining subjects to my classmates came easily."
In conclusion, Kauffman encourages those interested in making a difference through teaching: “If you are energetic, solution-focused, and selfless, we want you to join us in making a difference in the world.”
For further information about TMCC's Education Program, inquiries can be directed to the Social Sciences Department.