Nicole Garcia, a 2004 Saint Mary’s graduate, teaches language arts at Washington High School in South Bend, Ind. She was placed there as a student teacher during her senior year of college, and knew it was where she wanted to continue her teaching career. “My goal has always been to work in a diverse, urban setting,” says Garcia. “I will admit it’s not always the easiest environment for a teacher.”
While nothing could have readied her for some of the particularly intense classroom moments that arise, she says her Saint Mary’s education classes prepared her well for most daily challenges. “I received the best instruction in curriculum design, teaching methods, and service learning,” says Garcia. “At Saint Mary’s, you’re in the classroom almost from the get-go, and you’re in there as both observer and teacher.”
