Field experience lets women's hoopsters make an impact

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - At Lesley University, all students from all academic degree programs are required to complete early field experience or internship hours.  Each of the Lynx women's basketball players have participated in this program and found that not only has the experience improved their professional development, but also their own personal growth. 

Students enrolled in the School of Education are primarily placed in Massachusetts public schools that typically surround the Lesley community.  Although the student is allowed to give preferences for grade, classroom type, and location, all placements must be in the appropriate role and grade level for the license that the student is seeking.  Students are also expected to diversify their field experience in both urban and suburban settings. 

Those students who are non-education majors are required to complete two to three internships during their undergraduate years.  These internships could include some administrative work to group facilitation under the supervision of an on-site supervisor.  All students are evaluated by their on-site supervisors and faculty advisors to maintain a positive experience while in the field.

Some of the women's basketball players who participate in early field experience as education majors, talked about the extent of their involvement in the classroom.  They talked about what it was like to work in a small group of children on a math packet, edit essays written by teen girls to help cultivate their writing skills, making and conducting lesson plans as the lead teacher, or even reading aloud during snack time. 

Beyond the classroom duties, however, they all beamed about the impact that they were making on their student's lives.  They built relationships with the children and teachers all while preparing themselves for a future in education.

Here is what some of the Lesley women's basketball players said about their experiences in the classroom:

"I love being around the children and getting to know them and how they learn.  It is a great experience to already be in the classroom in my freshman and sophomore years.  I love learning tricks and strategies about the students and most of all I love that they trust and look up to me."
Kaitlyn Wechsler (Merrick, N.Y.), Peabody School in Cambridge

"I love the relationships I am making with people and the impact I can have on a teen girl's life."
Cassidy Freed (Brattleboro, Vt.), Teen Voices in Boston

"I love the relationships you get to make with these children and being able to practice and try out different styles of teaching to see which one you would like to use in your own professional career."
Georgia Saltzman (Lynn, Mass.), Pierce Elementary School in Brookline

"It is great experience to prepare me for my future job."
Lani Cabral-Pini (Wilmington, Mass.), Dallin Elementary School in Arlington

To learn more about the Lesley University women's basketball team, please visit their website.

Contact:          Rob Palardy
                        Sports Information Director
                        Lesley University
                        617.349.8627 (office)
                        617.349.8640 (fax)
                        rpalardy@lesley.edu