January’s intern of the month is Twin Valley senior Eric Gibson. Gibson spent the first semester interning for Miss Lynn Balmer, an eighth grade teacher at the Twin Valley Middle School.
Gibson’s experience as an intern has taught him about the difficulties and rewards that come with teaching.
‘Teachers do a lot of work behind the scenes that I think everyone, especially students, should be mindful of and they [teachers] don’t ask for anything in return except that the students listen, and there aren’t many who do. […] My favorite part is the one-on-one with the students and hearing their feedback,’ explained Gibson.
His time as an intern has also helped him to develop his own teaching philosophy.
‘When I came in, I thought having a laid-back approach would be best, but I realize that it’s good to be stern when you need to be and it’s good to be laid-back when you need to be. You have to have a balance and that’s what I hope to have,’ stated Gibson.
‘He has been excellent at maintaining being friendly with the students, but not acting like their friend,’ stated Balmer, who has been impressed by Gibson’s enthusiasm and skills as an educator.
‘I have really enjoyed working with Eric. […] He has taken his own time and initiative to grade papers, […] he has pulled together lessons and models of writing, he has taught, he has picked out vocabulary for them, he has gone above and beyond,’ continued Balmer.
Gibson plans on attending Kutztown University to receive a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education, but has also considered studying social studies in order to earn additional qualifications.
Good luck to you, Eric Gibson and congratulations on your success.