Westminster Elementary Education Majors Intern in Mexico City

Nine Westminster College elementary education majors interned in Mexico City schools last May.

"They worked at the Early Childhood Center of the American School, which provides learning opportunities for 300 three to six-year-old children," said Janet Waugaman, assistant director of the Westminster College Career Center. "They had a wonderful experience. The students participated in observations, mini-lessons, planning meetings, and staff development programs. They also visited rural and urban pre-schools, as well as many cultural sites."

"We went to observe how they teach there, and to get ideas for the future," said Marie N. Meyers, senior elementary education major from New Castle. "We rode the school bus to school like most teachers do in Mexico."

"This was a once in a lifetime experience," said Shannon Simmons, senior elementary education major from East Palestine, Ohio. "Until now, I've only been exposed to schools in Ohio and Pennsylvania."

Simmons went on to explain that she felt there were three economic divisions of schools in Mexico: rural schools, which had little resources; public schools, which had more materials to work with; and the American schools, which had everything including body guards for the students.

"I was impressed by the rural school on the Mexican military base," said Meyers. "The children put on a play for us in costumes made by their parents. They were honored that we came to observe, and really made us feel important."

"Each school we visited all had a sincere commitment to educating children," said Pamela McCalmont, senior elementary education major from Hickory. "We visited a school with only 30 books in their library, but that did not stop them from being excellent educators. They used what ever material they could find, such as egg shells, mud, sawdust, and leaves in their lessons."

"You don't just teach while you are there, you also do a great deal of touring in Mexico City and the outlying areas," said Jamie Seemiller, senior elementary education major from Pittsburgh. "You are also given the opportunity to live with a Spanish family, and this helps ease you into the culture."

"The experience opened my eyes to more things than just education," said Simmons. "The value that Mexicans place on family and traditions is very strong in Mexico."

McCalmont agreed. "Much can be learned from their culture. The devotion and love they have for each member of their family is something that many Americans lack."

"The more I reflect on my Mexico experience, the more I realize how worthwhile it was," continued McCalmont. "I got to see how Mexican schools are run and what their philosophies are. In fact, next week I am doing a theme cycle on Mexico during my student teaching."

"I would highly recommend this trip to anyone," said Seemiller. "It's one of the best teaching experiences you can participate in."

For more information on this or other internship opportunities at Westminster College, contact Waugaman at (724) 946-6338 or e-mail waugamjb@westminster.edu.