By Mackynlie Conklin | There are many hands-on programs offered on Howard Payne’s campus to assist students in gaining experience in their career fields. The clinical teaching program is part of a senior student’s graduation plan in order to graduate as a certified teacher. Throughout the clinical teaching program, the student will be placed at either an elementary, middle, or high school where they will observe all the ins and outs of becoming a teacher in their designated field.
Carter Renfro, a senior from East Texas, is one of three clinical teaching students this semester. He describes the program as being the teachers’ “right hand man”.
“At the beginning of the semester, you will mainly just be an observer, then eventually gaining more and more responsibility throughout the semester, and eventually leading some of the lessons,” said Renfro.
Renfro’s favorite part about the program is being able to work with the kids in the classroom and visualizing his future in the classroom.
“My goals are to be a high school teacher and coach that will be involved not only in the schools, but also in the community. Being able to impact a student’s life is something that is big for me and being able to be the reason someone wants to better their life,” said Renfro.
A big influence in Renfro’s participation and drive to get his certification has been the idea of having a career he loves.
“People always say “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life”. For me that holds true with what I’m doing now. Being able to see students smile each day, improve, and get better lets me know I am in the right place and right where I need to be for my future,” said Renfro.
Although his time at HPU has been encouraging and educational, Renfro understands that the education field is not the easiest career path.
“Understanding that being in this profession is something that will take a lot of time to master, and in my little time doing it so far once you think you have things figured out things can also change,” stated Renfro.
Brianne Davis, a senior from Comanche, is another participant in the clinical teaching program.
Davis agrees that the biggest motivator for being a part of this program is the students she interacts with everyday.
“I am not doing this for the paycheck, I am not doing this for the insurance or whatever you want to put with teaching. I am doing this because I care about the students and I want them to know that even when it doesn’t seem like it, there are people out there rooting for them, and that they can do anything they put their minds to. I want to see them thrive in not just academics but in real life as well,” said Davis.
The schools have been affected in all areas by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cynical teaching program has had their fair share of struggles.
“It’s a constant battle of trying to get everyone caught up. We do not have nearly enough time in the classroom, and it feels like we have a little bit less since COVID,” stated Davis.
After graduating from HPU, Davis plans on staying near Comanche to be close to her family but she is open to anything The Lord has in store for her.
“I may have all these plans for after graduation, but really I am trusting in God. If He sends me far from home, then I am going to trust in Him and follow. No matter how hard it might be or get, God is with me. God’s plan is bigger and better than mine, and I am holding on tight to that,” said Davis.