Externship Spotlight: Rutgers Preparatory School
Class Year: 2012
Hometown: Little Silver, NJ
Major: Classics and Mathematics
Campus Activities: Member of Delta Gamma Sorority, Tutor at a local housing community
Goals: Upon graduation, I hope to become a teacher of either Math of Latin.
Hobbies: Dance
Externship: Rutgers Preparatory School, Somerset, NJ
Sponsor: Jill Cooper ‘90
My Experience
When I found out that I would be doing my externship at Rutgers Preparatory School, I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I was excited about getting a taste of the real world. I arrived for my first day, a bundle of nerves, and was greeted enthusiastically by my sponsor, Jill Cooper. She then proceeded to show me around the school, pointing out classrooms, offices, and the faculty lounge. I was then introduced to the school during their morning meeting, where I was welcomed with smiles and friendly hellos. I instantly felt at home and at ease in this new community. Throughout the next four days, I observed a wide variety of classes, ranging from AP Calculus to Latin. During these classes, I was able to study various teaching styles and techniques. My sponsor also set up meetings for me with the Vice Principal , Principal, and Chair of the World Language Department. These meetings really opened my eyes to the values and opportunities of an independent school. They also helped me better understand the application and hiring process for new teachers. Through this externship, I gained valuable information about the teaching profession, and I obtained valuable contacts to the education world, which are crucial for new teachers.
How did this externship help me make decisions about my future career?
This experience opened my eyes to a whole new world of independent schooling. I gained valuable insight into the opportunities of an independent school while I also obtained first hand experience in the field of my desired career. This externship cemented by desire to become a teacher.
What questions did I ask my sponsor?
I asked my sponsor many questions regarding the differences between independent schools and public schools. She was very helpful in explaining to me the goals of an independent school and directing me to people who had experience in both types of schools. I also conversed with my sponsor about our experiences at Bucknell. It was very interesting to talk to an alumnus and hear about her life as a Bucknellian.
Other comments:
This externship was a great opportunity for me to get my feet wet in the field of education and to make contacts with people in that field. I cannot even begin to explain my gratitude for being offered this experience.
Read more Externship Experience Spotlights
The deadline to apply to the Externship Program is Tuesday, October 26 by 11:59 p.m