PHILIPSBURG – Many people often long to get some practical experience in a particular profession before actually deciding to study for that profession or go full time into that profession. Some, however, are more fortunate than others.
St. Eustatius native Claudine Spanner, who was among the 45 University of St. Martin graduates at the 15th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, is one of the fortunate few.
Prior to enrolling in the Education program at the University of St. Martin (USM), Spanner worked two years as an assistant teacher for the Governor de Graaf School in St. Eustatius. She assisted in a special education class for one year and served in the fifth grade in the other year.
“The experience helped,” said a smiling Spanner. On Saturday, June 13, 2009, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from USM. While working as an assistant teacher, Spanner said, she wanted more in the form of being responsible for a classroom. This then led her to enroll in the education program at USM where it is no coincidence that the Classroom Management became her favorite class.
With her educational philosophy in hand, Spanner said that she believes that every child has a right to a proper education and classroom have to be a stimulating environment where students will be able to grow socially, physically, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively. The USM education graduate further emphasized that in order to accomplish all this, teachers have to prepare students to enhance logical thinking, understanding and to have community skills.
Community and family life are two of the areas Spanner said she missed while coming to St. Maarten for her four years of study.
“When it came to my student teaching, I wanted to go back into the community from which I came,” Spanner said.
“I wanted to see how it had changed and whether I would be able to deal with it.”
Her student teaching experience at the Bethel Methodist School from January to April this year was lauded and she is now looking at the possibilities of teaching on her native island. She noted that while there is interest from schools for her to teach, she has not accepted any offers yet.
Looking back on her USM experience Spanner indicated that her favorite campus wide event was First Tuesdays where students get a chance to socialize and activities are organized by the Student Government Association. She added that she enjoyed free pizza at First Tuesdays and the classroom atmosphere where unity and having fun, besides learning, were the order of the day.
“Studying on St. Maarten has helped me to grow physically and mentally,” Spanner said, while indicating that she chose USM because it was closer to home and the best choice at that time. She said that although she is older than the typical USM student she was treated equally and with respect by her peers and instructors.
“All that I have learned from USM, it is time to now put it in practice,” an optimistic Spanner said.
She urged all persons interested in studying to be a teacher to go into the field with an open mind since every child is unique, learn at their own pace, and should be able to express their opinions.
Spanner also advised future students to “set goals, follow dreams and strive to achieve them. USM wishes Spanner much success in her future endeavors.
