LEARNING WHILE TEACHING

    This fall, the two local school districts are hosting a couple of special students. But these are not your typical K-12 type learners. Rather, Langford Area and Britton-Hecla both have student teachers currently in their schools. Tanner Pietz is at LA while Hope Neugebauer is student teaching at B-H.
    Pietz grew up in Aberdeen and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 2019. He currently attends Northern State University, studying music education. 
    He explains that he enjoyed music class growing up, but really got into music extra curriculars in high school. “I joined the show choir, vocal jazz, and was a part of a few musicals,” said Pietz. “I loved to sing and make music and took every chance I could to do it.”
    Even though he liked music, Pietz notes that it was not his first thought as he contemplated a teaching career. “Before I decided to go to school for music, I was looking into math education,” he said. “But it was the music teachers I had around me that inspired me to study music education.”
    At Langford Area this semester, Pietz has had the opportunity to teach many classes guided by music teacher Kelly Wieser. “I have been able to help out with the music appreciation class, elementary music, and middle and high school choir,” noted Pietz.
    He adds that a special part of the teaching experience has been working with elementary students. “I was a little intimidated at first, because of my limited experience with elementary students,” said Pietz. “But Mrs. Wieser has been a great support and an immense help in my experience. Along with that, the students, faculty, and administration have been so welcoming, and I could not have asked for a better experience!”
    For her part, Mrs. Wieser has also been impressed with her student teacher’s efforts. “Tanner is proving to be an amazing vocal teacher,” she emphasized. “He is not afraid to dive in or go out of his comfort zone.  Upon graduation, he will definitely have his pick of jobs to choose from in South Dakota.”
    Pietz will graduate in December and says he will begin job hunting. He hopes to find a job teaching vocal music by next school year. 
    Hope Neugebauer grew up and graduated from the small town of Armour. She currently attends Northern State University where she is studying Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. 
    Neugebauer  says she has always wanted to be a teacher. “I remember when I was younger I would line up my stuffed animals and read them books or give them fake worksheet assignments and then grade them,” she explained.  
    She adds that her love of  teaching only grew as she became involved in that area. “I was inspired by how well my own teachers took the time to build a strong connection with me and always pushed me to reach my goals,” Neugebauer said. “I always had a strong support system behind me throughout my educational years and still have those people that are helping me push to the end.” 
    The student teacher notes that she is pleased to have been able to work at Britton-Hecla this semester as she has a lot of family that lives in the area. “Britton is also a smaller town and I knew that I would always want to do my student teaching in a small town because there is so much support,” she emphasized.
    Neugebauer is spending her time at B-H in Kaitlyn Sasker’s kindergarten classroom. The student teacher explains that she has been observing Mrs. Sasker since the beginning of the year and will continue that plus doing some teaching of her own until she leaves in November.  
    “In Kindergarten we teach many classes, and throughout the time that I am here I get to assist the teacher, learn new strategies, and practice being a teacher.”
    Neugebauer adds that she has already found her time at B-H valuable and enjoyable. “I would have to say the best part of my time here at B-H has been the supportive, kind community and school district. I am glad I chose to do my student teaching here.”
    She also says she has learned a great deal, especially to face challenges, adjust and be open-minded. “One thing that I have learned is to accept the fact that some things don’t go the way you want to. There are always going to be obstacles that can get in the way and being 100% honest with your students is very crucial. They will understand that you are human and sometimes mistakes can happen with teachers too.”
    “Another thing that I have learned is to try new things and if they don’t work, it is okay. If you have to change your teaching methods or your plans, it is okay and at least you know that you tried.”
    Neugebauer will graduate in December from NSU. She is not sure where her teaching future will take her, but she has plans in the works.