Music Student J. Yoo: “A school’s role in society is not just functional… it is an integral part of a community that can help unite its members… I would challenge [my students] to think about what being a part of a school really entails. Does it just entail attending school, studying diligently, and aiming for good grades? I would encourage them to change their perspectives and view themselves as active member of the school, and later of society.”

Spanish Student J. Vicente: “I know that when I begin teaching, there will always be someone who asks, “Why do we have to learn another language?” This will always be a teachable moment in my classroom…Learning another language also opens a door to a whole new world. You will be able to better understand certain cultures and discover their beauty and importance to the world. Learning another language can also change your aspect on people of different backgrounds, which is what we need in this country… As I teach Spanish, I will also teach about different cultures and their importance to the world.”

Language Arts Student F. Giambattista: “My language arts classroom emphasizes the need to read below the surface, to examine whose story is not being presented and to listen for the voices that are not being heard…Teachable moments cannot be passive experiences for our students. Teachable moments require that we, as teachers, give students both the opportunity and the tools to make change happen…In my classroom I am proud to uphold qualities and dispositions which Montclair State University outlines in the “Portrait of a Teacher.” The characteristics defined in the Portrait drew me to the program as I feel they exemplify the teacher I strive to be.”

History Student D. Peltz: “Connecting history with current events is essential to a student’s understanding of a subject. This strategy must be a constant for every historical lesson. Not only does it increase a student’s understanding of a subject by connecting it to prior knowledge, but implementing this strategy also makes history exciting and seem more worthwhile to students who have not been previously interested in history.”