Heather Mayrose 7-12 Grade English Teacher
Benton Community MS/HS is fortunate to have three student teachers with us this fall. One of those future teachers, Kristina Glackin, is in the eighth grade language arts class.
When asked why she decided to become a teacher, Glackin explained, “I wanted to become the woman I needed growing up. The people who stepped in on my behalf were the adults at the school I attended. This led me to wanting to create a safe space for children to come each day. What better place than a classroom for them to be seen, encouraged, and motivated to become all they are intended to be in this world? Plus, I LOVE words so teaching language arts just makes sense.” Glackin’s ability to connect with students and make them feel safe and comfortable is already evident, as students are eager to get to know her and share with her about their own lives.
In the first six days of the school year, Glackin has gotten her bearings and already begun teaching some of the classes. When asked what her favorite part of her experience thus far is, she did not hesitate in responding: “The students. Without a doubt, it has been the students. Hearing, "what's crackin' Glackin?" and "Hi bestie!" and "do you think this would be a good answer?" fills my heart. There is a plethora of personalities and all of them somehow mesh better than one would expect. I have a feeling that's because of the support and community that has been evident to me at Benton. Each student that I have built a connection with has a special place in my heart. As much as I want to make them feel seen, they have inadvertently done the same for me.”
In eight short weeks, Glackin will move on to her second placement at Marion, but the impression she has left on the students and staff at Benton will remain. She hopes to gain confidence in her teaching abilities in her time here. “Benton has given me a space to settle into my authentic teacher self and to fully realize the vision of being ‘Ms.Glackin.’” Ms. Glackin, when her title as classroom teacher becomes official after graduation, will be an invaluable addition to the teaching profession.