Physical Education Student Teacher Spotlight: Emily Hatch

My name is Emily Hatch. I am originally from San Diego CA and I am 23 years old. I am studying Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, with a minor in Health Education Teaching. I chose this major path because I enjoy being active and exploring different ways everyone can be active. I am also passionate about helping others learn more about living a healthy lifestyle. 

I decided to go to Houston,Texas for student teaching because I wanted to try something new! I had been in Provo for 5 years and I wanted to explore a new opportunity. I value forging new paths for myself, and Texas seemed like the perfect opportunity to do that!

My favorite part about student teaching has been getting to form meaningful relationships with my students. I teach at a high school, so they are in a stage of life where they are very snarky. I love it. We are able to have an amazing teacher-student relationship by being friendly and having fun with one another. I have loved getting to know them as people, and not just faces in my classroom. 

My biggest takeaway from my experience has been patience. Being a new teacher (especially in a new state) can be challenging. Especially at the beginning when you are still figuring out what kind of teacher you want to be, how to communicate with other teachers, and generally just trying to keep up with life. Choosing to be patient and not sweat the small stuff has been an absolute lifesaver. Giving yourself some grace, understanding that everything will be alright in the end is key. 

After student teaching, I will be a substitute teacher in the Provo and Nebo school districts by day, and a boys' volleyball coach at Springville High School by night. I will be taking the semester to assess different teaching opportunities for the new school year in August. I hope to find another unique teaching opportunity that will help me to continue broadening my horizons.

"Do you have any advice for those thinking about student teaching in Texas?"

Absolutely do it! It has genuinely been one of the most special experiences of my life. When else will you be in a position to take an opportunity like this? I have been able to meet so many amazing people inside and outside of school and have so many cool and unique experiences that I couldn’t have had anywhere else. 

Find out more about student teaching opportunities here! Learn more about the different majors in the McKay school by scheduling an appointment with an ambassador here!