Teacher aids assist in elementary classrooms
Although most people will never return to their elementary school, several NPHS students take a trip back to their past by volunteering in an elementary class. In doing so, students are able to earn a Teaching Assistant [TA] class credit while being responsible for preparing homework, organizing students’ classwork and helping teachers manage their classrooms.
Noelle Montero, senior, is a TA for the second grade class at Sycamore Canyon. She enjoys working with kids and plans to pursue teaching. “I want to major in elementary education and become a teacher, so I believe [this elective] is a good experience to have for that major,” Montero said. Although she enjoys the process, she acknowledges the challenges that come along with working with children. “Because the students are at a young age, they can’t regulate emotions very well so they get frustrated easily, which is why it’s so important to be patient and give them time,” Montero said.
Milana Caston, junior, has learned several skills while helping in Banyan Elementary’s Transitional Kindergarten [TK] classroom. She is able to help the students learn, while also learning from them herself. “I’ve learned patience, kindness, communication, and how to gently guide kids step by step,” Caston said. Caston joined this program because of her passion for working with children and has gained a special bond with each of the students. “My favorite part is when they say something sweet or feel proud of themselves after learning something new, like spelling their name,” Caston said. “Being around them makes my day better, and I enjoy helping them learn and feel supported.”
As a Banyan Elementary graduate herself, Keelan Nygreen, senior, has a unique perspective as she assists Banyan’s second grade class. “I felt like it’d be really fun and kind of nostalgic to go back to my original elementary school and see all my former teachers,” Nygreen said. She enjoys the carefree attitude that the students possess. “Seeing how they act and goof off is just really funny. And because I also have a 7-year-old brother, it’s really cool to see a classroom full of students like him,” Nygreen said.
The elementary TA program helps students learn many new skills, and it helps foster bonds between high school and elementary aged students. “I’ve learned to be very patient with kids because they all learn and receive information differently,” Montero said.
