Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

This year, we’re proud to celebrate the next generation of educators by highlighting our students who have been inspired to pursue educational careers thanks to incredible mentors here in Exeter. Through our internship program, these students are now gaining real-world, hands-on experience in the classroom, learning directly in the schools and from the educators who once taught them. One such student is Kayla Schafer, a senior currently interning with Mrs. Dani Jupina, a second grade teacher at Owatin Creek. Kayla plans to attend Elizabethtown College to study Early Elementary Education. Here’s how her teachers inspired her to become one herself:

Who inspired you to want to become a teacher?
My elementary school teachers at Owatin Creek inspired me to become a teacher. They created an environment where learning was fun, and I wanted to return. From first grade with Mrs. Daniels, I developed a love of learning. By second grade, with Mrs. Jupina, I got out of my seat to help my classmates. Mrs. Jupina would always joke that I helped her with a million things! I am so happy to be interning with her now to help with a million more things. Next was third grade with Mrs. Marburger, and I had solidified my role as a classroom helper. Fourth grade with Mr. Hathaway was one of my favorite years of school. Mr. Hathaway was a big inspiration to me as a teacher. He encouraged me to help around the room and gave me extra work to do so I could help out. Later, I volunteered for the Teachers in the Parks (TIPS) program under his advice. Volunteering with the TIPS program reinforced my desire to be a teacher. I am so thankful for all of my teachers who inspired me to follow the path of being a teacher.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?
Ever since I was a kid, I loved school. My favorite thing was going to school to learn with all my friends. I was always a mini-teacher, getting out of my seat to help the teacher or other kids with their work. I knew then that I wanted to share that love for learning with other kids.

Where are you completing your internship? Who have you been working with?
I am interning at Owatin Creek Elementary with Mrs. Jupina in second grade.

What's your educational internship been like? Has it helped you solidify your decision to become a teacher?
My internship at Owatin has been so much fun! I have such an amazing class, and it’s good to get teaching experience in math, English and science. It’s a great feeling to teach and see that the kids are learning. I know now more than ever that I want to be a teacher!

Is there anything you'd like to say to recognize your teachers as you near graduation?
I would like to thank my teachers for encouraging me to be the student and person I am today. I have been very supported in my goals, and I am grateful for all that my teachers have done for me.