UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
GRADUATE READY:
UK Senior will be full-time middle school teacher in August
University of Kentucky senior Ellen Gaines is poised
to graduate from the University of Kentucky College of
Education in May with a bachelor’s degree from the Middle
Level Teacher Education Program. She recently was hired
for a full-time teaching job at Mill Creek Middle School in
Nolensville, Tenn., not far from her hometown of Franklin,
Tenn.
“Mill Creek Middle School is a new kindergarten through
eighth grade school, with two separate administrations,” she
said. “I am going to be teaching sixth-grade language arts
and will be the head dance team coach. It is such a unique
opportunity to start at a brand new school my first year of
teaching. I am excited to start my career and create a school
atmosphere all at the same time.”
Gaines was inspired to teach after spending time in college
as a camp counselor and participant in the university’s
Dance Blue fundraiser for pediatric cancer.
“I chose middle school because I think it is such a critical
time in a student’s life,” she said. “It is full of ups and
2
downs and I think it is important to have teachers that are
passionate about their jobs. The students are full of energy
and every day is new and exciting.”
Gaines advises students hoping to follow a similar path
to get involved in the classroom as much as possible when
assigned to observations, practicums or student teaching
placements.
“The sooner you are able to build a relationship with
the students and your cooperating teacher, the better your
experience in the classroom will be,” she said.
Gaines credits the faculty at UK for helping her feel ready
to manage her own classroom.
“From participating in research to building relationships
with peers, the University of Kentucky has prepared me to
enter the classroom as a teacher better than I ever could
have imagined,” she said. “Dr. Margaret Rintamaa and
Dr. Linda Levstik have both molded me into the teacher I
will become. They have taught me the meaning of engaging
instruction and how to make learning a better experience for
children of all ages.”
COE COMMUNICATOR | APRIL 2016