When you learn that Nancy Nelson is a college student pursuing a degree in education, you imagine her in her early 20s, with quirky glasses and bangs, perhaps like Jessica Day from “New Girl.” Maybe.
“What I mean is,” Nelson, with her gray hair cut into a slicked-back bob, joked at the grand opening of Eastern New Mexico University’s Roswell Educational Resource Center, “I was like, ‘It’s too late to go to college. Nelson is resourceful and insightful, and exudes the enthusiasm of a budding teacher ready to inspire the next generation.
In addition to the many city and state leaders who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of ENMU-R’s new educational resource center and library, the crowd on Sept. 27 included a denim jumpsuit holding a brown teddy bear. It included a little girl wearing a . Another child, with a velvet brown ribbon in her hair and a cream and burgundy dress, was napping in her father’s arms.
As the adults spoke from the stage, a few small children got excited and tugged at their parents’ shirt sleeves – after all, it was 4 p.m. and almost dinner time. Many children spent an hour reading short picture books that were distributed free of charge in the lobby. Watching the next generation in real time drove home the importance of high-quality education for children in New Mexico, which ranks below nearly every other state on national tests.
Being a new teacher fresh out of college is exciting. Finally, you can share your passion for learning. Probably every new teacher who enters the classroom for the first time imagines that the moment will be like a “Dead Poets Society”, where the students will be fascinated by the subject and will come to stand on the school desks. You probably do.
In fact, as teachers we quickly realize that educating students is a carefully honed skill that requires months and years of practice. When I ended up with a huge detailed lesson plan using crumpled up construction paper, I wish I had practiced it before my first day in the classroom. Off to a snowball fight.
Students planning to become teachers can now practice teaching and receive feedback in one or both of ENMU-R’s lab classrooms. One of the classroom labs for early childhood educators features a wide green carpet for children to spread out, brightly colored books at a suitable height for little hands, and wall puzzles in primary colors. A separate laboratory classroom for primary and secondary educators is equipped with all the necessary technology, including circular tables where students can work in small groups, long whiteboards for collaborative learning, and computers.
Funded by the 2022 General Appropriations Act, this educational resource center and library is available to all Pecos Valley teachers and early childhood educators of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, in addition to ENMU-R undergraduate students . Our extensive lending library is stocked with children’s books as well as resources to help teachers address the social and emotional needs of their students. Those who purchased the materials made sure to include resources for New Mexico’s diverse students and families.
ENMU-R President Sean Powell recognized instructors Edna Yokum and Kelsey Wilson as key campus supporters of the new center. Other prominent city and state leaders who attended the grand opening ceremony included U.S. Sen. Cliff Pirtle; He responded to a false rumor that his birthday was in 2015 by revealing that goat’s milk was the secret to youthful skin, earning a big laugh from the audience (last century) — Mayor Tim Jennings, Jerry – Major General Grizzle, ENMU System Prime Minister James Johnston, and Sheriff Mike Herrington.
People like to pay lip service to teachers, who often rummage through their notebooks to buy materials to help their students learn, but now teachers are using their skills to You have a great space and tools to polish and improve your classroom. A new educational resource center and library will allow teachers to provide students with the supplies they need to learn without taking a pay cut.
“Childcare is more than just a service; it’s a driving force behind economic prosperity,” Pirtle said. When people choose to stay home with their children rather than build a career, the economy and workforce suffer a loss of human capital and potential. Increasing quality child care is a win for all of us. This is especially true for women, who often quit their jobs to raise children. In addition to supporting our economy, early childhood educators nurture children during their most important stages of learning, from birth to age five. This is the time to identify potential learning challenges early to avoid falling behind.
Johnston is a first-generation college student and credits her public school teachers with helping her get into college. The positive trust relationships that students develop with their teachers can change the outcome of that person’s life, helping first-generation students who may not have originally imagined themselves going to college to become adults. as president of the university system.
“I was able to meet that teacher again after 40 years and express my gratitude,” Johnston said. Her mother had just taken her child outside, who was making a fuss about wearing red, shiny shoes.
In May, ENMU-R graduated 11 teacher education students. This fall, he had 149 students enroll in the program, a significant increase in enrollment. Students starting at ENMU-R can transfer to any institution in the state without losing credits. Additionally, the need for more qualified teachers in schools (a dire need) makes transformative changes like the new educational resource center and lending library an important step for ENMU-R. We look forward to welcoming more teachers into the classroom and their first day together.
Now an ENMU-R education student, Nelson uses one of the tips detailed in the new lending library to get her students back on track when rolled up construction paper turns into a snowball fight. I know you can. A celebratory song, a song useful for distracting yourself. And when the song ends? It’s time to get back on track.
