INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: Margaret Berger ’21 Develops Teaching Style/Educational Philosophy Through Learned Experiences

BEVERLY, Mass. – Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students. Margaret Berger (Old Lyme, Conn.), who is a senior on the women's lacrosse team and a liberal studies/education major with a concentration in early childhood education, has completed several internships and practicums during her time at The Nest. Here's a look into Berger's educational experience as a Gull.

1) ECGULLS: Describe your overall internship experience.

My overall internship experience at Endicott College has been amazing. I have been placed in seven different elementary schools throughout my four years here at Endicott. Each and every placement has provided me with the opportunity to learn about what it takes to become a teacher. I have met so many amazing educators and have seen different teaching styles. These internships have helped me confirm my desire to become a teacher and they have helped me discover my own teaching style and educational philosophy. Without these experiences, I would not be as confident stepping out into the real world to start my career.

NOTE: Berger's internship/practicum experiences include Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School (senior practicum), Centerville Elementary School (junior pre-practicum), Ingalls Elementary School (junior SEI placement), Hannah Elementary School (sophomore literacy methods placement), Winthrop STEM Elementary School (sophomore internship), Saltonstall School (sophomore literacy placement), and Mile Creek School (freshman internship).

2) ECGULLS: What have you specifically learned from your internships?

I have learned so much about the world of education and myself throughout my internships. I have seen many different teaching styles and I have been able to use bits and pieces from all of them to develop my own philosophy. I have learned a million different teaching strategies and tricks to help facilitate student learning. I have also realized how much of an impact teachers have on their students. I now know that sometimes a simple smile or hug is all it takes to turn a child's day around. I learned how much I enjoy educating, supporting, helping, and being there for all children. I have experienced different school settings and now know which one I prefer the most. I have watched and witnessed a variety of different math and literacy curriculums. I have learned about apps, websites, and games that can be layered into the curriculum to support students learning. I have also learned the ins and outs of remote learning and how to continue to educate students throughout a pandemic. These internship experiences have allowed me to grow as a teacher and as a student. Without these experiences, I wouldn't have learned how to receive feedback and became comfortable with coaching and constructive criticism. I also wouldn't have had the opportunity to reflect on important feedback in order to improve my teaching. Most importantly, I have learned how important it is to be there for your students and to create a strong trusting relationship with each and every one. 

3) ECGULLS: What traits did you carry over from lacrosse to your internship experience and how?

There are many traits that carry over from lacrosse to being a teacher and my internship experiences. The most important trait that set me up for success in both lacrosse and in my internships is hard work. The harder you work at lacrosse the better you will get and it will also motivate your teammates to work just as hard. The result of hard work is that together you will have success. Working hard is not only important in lacrosse but also in teaching. As a teacher, you work hard to support your students so that they are able to learn and succeed. Teachers must work hard to motivate their students to want to learn and engage all types of learners. 

Another important trait in both lacrosse and my internships in education is passion. Passion isn't something that can be taught, you either have it or you don't. I have a passion and a love for playing lacrosse, just like I have a passion and love for teaching. Passion is what drives me every day to do my best both on the field and in the classroom. I want to succeed in the things I love and that includes both playing lacrosse and teaching students. Passion motivates me to be physically fit, to learn new lacrosse skills and tricks, and also enhances my interest in learning how to become a better teacher for my students. 

Teamwork is another trait that can be carried over from lacrosse to my internship experiences. Without teamwork, you lack a team and it is much more difficult to succeed. On the lacrosse field, if the team isn't working together it's difficult to succeed, but when things are clicking and we are working together it increases our chance of a win. Having people on your team that support you and work with you is what makes the sport fun. Similarly, in the classroom, if you aren't working as a team with your colleagues it isn't fun, and that makes it more difficult to learn and grow. Working as a team with your colleagues can make you a better teacher because you can help each other by sharing your past experiences. Teamwork means communicating, bouncing ideas off each other, honesty, awareness, trust, problem solving, reliability, and organization. Without these key teamwork values, it is hard to be successful in the field or as an educator.

4) ECGULLS: How will your internship experiences help you in your career moving forward?

All of my internships and placement opportunities will support me significantly in my future career. The seven placements have allowed me to add some very rich teaching experiences to my resume. I was recently accepted into the Fellowship Program here at Endicott and I will hopefully be receiving calls from neighboring elementary schools requesting an interview very soon. These placements have not only prepared me to be a great teacher, but they have also given me the knowledge needed for my interviews. The many internship experiences have added to my confidence as I move forward in my career and prepare for my future. 

5) ECGULLS: What kind of networking did you do at your internships?

Throughout my internships, I have worked with some amazing people and educators. I have built relationships with people from Connecticut and Massachusetts, and from all different types of schools in the North Shore area. The educators that I have met are people that I will never forget and I am still in contact with many of my mentors who continue to check on my progress and goals. These professional contacts will help as I start my search for a teaching position. 

6) ECGULLS: Do you have a favorite experience working at your internships? If so, what was it?

My favorite internship was during my practicum last semester. I was placed at Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School in Beverly, Massachusetts. This was my favorite and most meaningful experience because I was placed in a kindergarten class and was able to take over as a head teacher in the classroom for a couple of weeks. Running this classroom gave me the opportunity to establish and create strong connections with every student. These relationships are essential to creating a safe learning environment. My favorite part about this internship was working with my Supervising Practitioner and of course the students. My Supervising Practitioner is one of the most amazing teachers I have ever met and I was able to learn so much from our time together. My strong connection with her means I will always have her as a friend and a mentor. To this day, she still reaches out and checks in on how I am and every once in a while she will send me little quotes and notes that the students say about my time in their classroom.

THE ENDICOTT INTERNSHIP MODEL

A philosophy of "learning by doing" permeates the college curriculum in which students are encouraged to integrate theory and practice in all of their studies.

Through their experiences in internships students will be prepared to:

• Apply, integrate, and evaluate knowledge within a particular academic discipline
• Develop competencies for careers and community service
• Explore career options and gain field experience
• Foster personal growth through increased self-confidence, interpersonal skills, an understanding of self and others, and a heightened awareness of ethical standards
• Improve the ability to learn in a self-directed manner

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)