Catching Up With The Faculty Fellows
Established in 2005, the Faculty Fellows Program provides recent college graduates an opportunity to experience teaching in an independent school. Through individual mentoring, a variety of professional development opportunities, and immersion in school life, faculty fellows develop foundational skills and gain experience to pursue successful teaching careers as well as valuable work experience for pursuing careers outside the field of education.
We caught up with this year's fellows to hear about their experience in the program during the first semester.
Faculty Fellows
Sydney Leimbach: High School World History
Emma Grace Laird: 3rd Grade
Josh Kimberlin: 8th Grade Bible and 6th Grade P.E.
Brooks Hanrahan: High School English
What have you learned about being a teacher that you didn’t expect?
Sydney Leimbach:
“Teaching requires so much more planning that I ever realized as a student. Making a lesson is just the start of the process of teaching - there's the aspect of how you will deliver information to the students, how you'll assess them, pacing how many lessons you need per unit, and still much more beyond this. I expected teaching to take a good bit of planning, but there's always something that can be improved upon or changed for the next lesson.”
Emma Grace Laird:
“I have learned the importance of consistency and providing an environment where children feel safe and encouraged but also challenged to be the best version of themselves. I have seen how it is possible to make a classroom structured and fun, so that school is a positive experience for each student.”
Josh Kimberlin:
“Before becoming a Faculty Fellow, I was under the assumption that the impact that a teacher makes in a student’s life is in the classroom. I quickly realized that while the classroom is an important part of the student’s journey, most of the impact in their life takes place outside the classroom. It is in the passing between classes, in homeroom, during school events, and in moments when teaching is not necessarily taking place where the greatest impact happens. I thought my lessons would change a student’s life, but I realized my intentionality outside the lesson has the potential to transform a student’s life for the better. Outside the classroom is where the students see if you truly care. Because the administration and teachers at Wesleyan School set such an incredible example of this authentic care, it motivates me to continue to give my time and effort to engage with the students even when I am not expected to do so.”
Brooks Hanrahan:
“I had heard teachers talk about “the grind” and how difficult this job can be at times. Make no mistake; it is difficult. But it is also incredibly gratifying. I didn’t expect it to be as rewarding as it has been. For me, there’s no better feeling than knowing I made a positive impact on a student’s day.”
What have you enjoyed about the faculty fellow experience?
Leimbach:
“Beyond gaining exposure to so many aspects of working at a private, Christian school, I've enjoyed the faculty fellow experience for its uniqueness. Having a master teacher to guide me through my first experience as a teacher is very uncommon, and it has been key to my development as an educator. The opportunity to first observe other faculty members before teaching my own lessons and leading my own classes has offered me invaluable experience that can't be learned in an education course. The program does an incredible job of preparing aspiring teachers for the reality of teaching rather than just the idea of it. I've also enjoyed the variety of students I've met through the sports I've helped coach, preparing for a mission trip, and through classes and clubs.”
Laird:
“My favorite part of my experience this year is hands down the kids I get to be with every day. They are the joy of each day and have taught me more about myself than I ever thought they would. Also, I have enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in every division of the school in different activities and the opportunity to be challenged through them. The opportunity to fulfill many roles at the school has allowed me to build relationships with all ages of students and see many parts of this wonderful place!”
Kimberlin:
“I have enjoyed being fully immersed into the life of a Christian school. At first this overwhelmed me until I realized what an incredible opportunity I have to see almost every aspect of teaching and coaching. While teaching has been a great experience, I have especially enjoyed the extracurricular activities in which I have been able to participate. The life of a Christian school is much more than what takes place during the school day. The sport I coach, the missions trip I lead, the retreat I chaperone, and other activities outside of the school day all contribute to that which encompasses the life of a Christian School. The leader of the Faculty Fellow Program, Jane Leake, has been a huge help. She gives us timely advice and is a constant encouragement. I also have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside my Master Teachers. They are more than willing to make sure I have everything I need to be successful. This experience is unique, and I am grateful for those who are continually surrounding me with encouragement, correction, direction, and love.”
Hanrahan:
I can’t say enough about how positive the Faculty Fellow experience has been for me. Having the opportunity to shadow other teachers, talk through lessons and ideas with a master teacher, and learn how to teach in a community of other first-time teachers has been really helpful at the start of my career.
Describe what it’s like to work at Wesleyan?
Leimbach:
“I would describe the Wesleyan community as one that works hard and is constantly busy because the faculty and staff truly care about their students and the school's mission. Working at Wesleyan has shown me the difference between teachers who just teach and teachers who care, which inspires me to do the same. Aside from teaching, the faculty and staff have been incredibly welcoming and supportive - I'm often asked how the year is going and how I'm doing, and there's never a day that I don't feel that level of care.”
Laird:
“Being a part of the faculty at Wesleyan has been a wonderful and growing experience. The community here is rich and full of people who know Christ deeply and desire to pour their lives out for children. The faculty is full of hardworking and passionate people and it is evident that this place makes an impact on children’s lives. Wesleyan is a school that makes you want to work to your fullest potential and provide the best experience for the students you are serving.”
Kimberlin:
“Those who have ranked Wesleyan School as one of the top places to work in Atlanta are on to something. It is not the buildings, although grand, or the grounds, although excellent, or any other external factors that make this place special. The hearts of the faculty and staff are what set this school apart. Leadership, from the top down, is committed to one’s success both in and outside the classroom, and there is a strong sense of comradery amongst the faculty. Every teacher I encounter at Wesleyan School has an overflowing heart that they willingly give to the students with consistency and enthusiasm. The buildings are only as good as the leaders in them. Wesleyan School is a great place to work. This program is a once-in-a-lifetime teaching opportunity at one of the top Christian schools in the country.”
Hanrahan:
“Wesleyan is a more collaborate workplace than I expected it to be. Teachers want their fellow teachers to succeed; they are willing to share resources and wisdom. With regard to students, I absolutely love the fact that we are encouraged to build relationships with them. They’re the best part of the job.”
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about applying to be a faculty fellow?
Leimbach:
“I would definitely recommend applying to be a fellow. It will be a busy year, but you will gain so much experience and develop skills that will take you far as a teacher and in many other career paths. If you're on the fence about teaching, this program can be instrumental to your decision while providing opportunities for personal growth. You'll also meet some incredible people along the way.”
Laird:
“Do it! You will leave each day being challenged, encouraged, and more confident in your abilities as a teacher. You will be invested in by countless individuals and have the opportunity to impact the next generation. The opportunity is extremely unique and will leave you with a clear understanding of what it takes to be an educator. Each day feels purposeful because of the many opportunities there are to touch lives.”
Kimberlin:
"For those who are confident in pursuing teaching as a career and those who are hesitant but curious, this program is for you. Everyone at Wesleyan School is on your side as you discern whether or not you are called to this profession. You will not be disappointed with this opportunity to be fully immersed in the culture of such an incredible school. Not only will you have the chance to discern your career direction, you also get to develop relationships with some of most loving, excellent, and hard working teachers. They are examples of the type of person you aspire to be, and you will be shocked how much you start to emulate their attitudes, perspectives, humor, and love. You will become more of who you are designed to be by participating in this program whether teaching is the route you take or not.”
Hanrahan:
“Do it. I can’t think of a better way to begin a career in education or discern if this career path is right for you. You’ll be fully immersed into a community that cherishes its educators and wants them to succeed. And you’ll learn more than you expect to learn. Do it!”
To learn more about the faculty fellow experience – watch this video or visit the faculty fellows webpage.
The deadline to apply for the 2020-21 Faculty Fellows Program is February 14, 2020.
