Rachel O'Malley
McKay Student Ambassador
Elementary Education
This week, as a sophomore in the Elementary Education program, my classes weren’t just about assignments and lectures—they were filled with moments of insight and inspiration. My classes were filled with information that deepened my spiritual journey while strengthening my skills as a future educator. Whether I was exploring creativity in Art Ed 326, learning about inclusive learning environments in EL ED 203, or tackling problem-solving in Math Ed 305, I was reminded that learning is not just about gaining knowledge but also about becoming a more thoughtful, creative, and spiritually grounded individual. In this post, I’ll share some of the key lessons I learned this week and how they have strengthened my understanding of both education and life.
Finding the Spirit of Creativity in Art Education
When I first enrolled in Art Ed, my nerves were shot. My art skills were limited to stick figures, and the thought of creating anything remotely close to a watercolor piece seemed impossible.
However, this class has become an unexpected source of inspiration. Each week as I teach art lessons to a lively group of first graders, I’ve learned to tap into my own creativity and spark a love for art in my students. This week, we prepared a lesson where students used pastel chalk to create galaxies and air-dried clay to craft astronauts. Blending science with art has reminded me of the power of integrating creativity into all subjects to engage and excite students.
Teaching art has not only nurtured my creativity, but also helped me develop Christlike attributes such as patience, empathy, humility, and love. Art has especially taught me patience as I deal with my own mistakes or students throwing crayons across the room. As I participate in the divine act of creation through art, I feel a stronger connection to God, the ultimate Creator. This experience has deepened my relationship with Christ, as I recognize the beauty and truth that art reveals, drawing me closer to His divine nature.
Broadening Perspectives in Multicultural Education
One of the most impactful classes for me this week was Foundations of Multicultural Education. This class has deepened my understanding of the realities teachers face and how we can use our roles to make a difference in the lives of struggling students. This week, we explored the topic of immigration and its effects on the classroom. We discussed the importance of broadening our hearts to embrace and support students who are immigrants, and we practiced putting ourselves in their shoes to better understand the challenges they face.
Learning to navigate these difficult subjects is vital as future educators. It prepares us to connect with our students on a deeper level, advocate for those who are vulnerable, and create a classroom environment that is loving and inclusive. By recognizing the struggles immigrants endure, I am reminded of Christ’s teachings of empathy and compassion. Just as Christ showed deep love and understanding for those who were marginalized, I hope to embody that same love for all of God’s children, regardless of their backgrounds.
Deepening Problem-Solving Skills in Math
In MTHED 305, I had the opportunity to visit Rocky Mountain Elementary, where I interviewed students to understand their thought processes and the different strategies they use to solve problems. Observing how each student approaches problem-solving was eye-opening and reinforced the importance of nurturing a growth mindset in the classroom. Encouraging students to persevere, even when they get a problem wrong, is key to building determination and resilience. As I prepare for my own classroom, I am excited to create an environment where students feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them.
Learning how students can all get the same answer to a multiplication problem, but solve it a different way reminds me how unique each child of God is. This is important to learn as we strive to become teachers who recognize what makes each student shine but also the different needs each student has. We can strive to be like Christ by helping our students transform their weaknesses into strengths, just as He guides us in becoming better people.
A Journey of Continuous Learning
This week has been a beautiful reminder that teaching is more than just a profession but is a calling that requires continuous learning and growth. As I prepare to become an educator, I am grateful for the insights gained through experiences in art, multicultural education, and math, which are shaping me into a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also strives to inspire and uplift every student. These lessons not only enhance my ability to teach but also strengthen my personal and spiritual growth, helping me become the kind of teacher and person I aspire to be.
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