Biology teacher Catherine Braun has been teaching at Suburban for about four years. Through the years, she has educated a very large sum of students. However, this year Braun welcomes newcomer Jennifer Zaplitny into her classroom, as a student teacher.
Zaplitny is still continuing her training. Zaplitny attended high school at Mainland Regional School in Linwood, New Jersey. From there, she furthered her learning to Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania and graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Biology last year.
Zaplitny said, “I am currently attending Albright College to complete my Master’s of Science in Education.”
Even though she learned much about science and teaching in college, Zaplitny said she realized she wanted a career in Biology even in high school. “I loved the class and my teacher. I realized I wanted to teach during my senior year of high school when I looked back and noticed how much I enjoyed school and how much teachers had influenced me over the years,” she said.
The decision on where to start student teaching was easy for Zaplitny. She said, “I chose York Suburban because I had heard so many great things about the school and this school was so welcoming to the idea of me student teaching here. I’m really glad to have the opportunity to student teach here.”
She said student teaching comes with certain challenges and certain expectations. But, Zaplitny said, “Student teaching isn’t harder than what I expected.”
Zaplitny mentioned that one of the most challenging things is actually teaching in a classroom compared to learning about teaching.
After she completes her student teaching requirements Zaplitny plans to become a full time teacher. However, she is not exactly sure when that will be. Zaplitny explained, “I’m not sure exactly when I’ll start teaching, since it all depends on when and where I get hired, but I hope to be in the classroom teaching after I finish up my requirements for my teaching certification in the near future.”
For a portion of the year, Zaplitny will be directing some of Braun’s classes on her own, which means teaching lessons and conducting labs. Zaplitny said, “I am looking forward to teaching the unit on evolution, since that is what I minored in during college. I plan on doing many different labs and activities throughout my time here to help the students the students learn biology.”
Zaplitny described the planning of the labs and activities to be tougher than she imagined. Zaplitny added, “There is so much that goes into creating a lesson, and even more that goes into giving the lesson.”
Zaplitny certainly has her work laid out for her. Luckily, she has the supervision and guidance of Braun. Zaplitny said, “Mrs. Braun is awesome! She has been helping me transition into student teaching by offering advice and ideas. She is always willing to answer any questions I have and go over things I plan on teaching. She has showed me how important it is to offer different ways of learning.”
Zaplitny will continue to work hard and assist Braun. Best of luck to Zaplitny!