Natalie Shoch is a student at Penn State University and is currently teaching English classes as a student teacher to earn her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction.  Her initial duties since August have been to shadow her mentor, Jennifer Lowe, and as of January, she has become a full time student teacher who plans and teaches class allowing her to learn and experience what it is like to be a teacher.

As a child, Shoch would play “school” with her siblings and enjoyed it but didn’t think about teaching as a career until high school which caused her to officially decide on her career path in her junior year of college.  When making her decision, it became clear to Shoch that she wanted to be in a teaching environment and help students grow.  

“I really admire all the teachers I have had over the years, and I noticed when they truly cared about their students.  I wanted to be that type of educator, the kind that supports students both as scholars and as people.  High school is such an exciting time.  I want to be in an environment where I can support students as they navigate the next phase of their life,” Shoch said.

Throughout her years in college, Shoch was able to gain experience through jobs and internships as a way to fully understand her career and to better herself as a future teacher.  

“During college I worked as a public speaking tutor where I helped other students create functional outlines, persuasive arguments and get over their stage fright.  I also really loved my time teaching a few lab sections of an environmental science course.  It helped me learn about lesson planning, grading strategies and how to build a community in the classroom,” Shoch said. “During the summers, I help direct a youth theater camp near my hometown and I love helping to foster young adult’s creative passions.  The camp includes grades 3-12, so I get a really detailed look at different developmental stages and what each age range is like.”

Certain information from school provided Shoch with the preparation she needed to undergo being a teacher, but she still looks forward to learning more as she continues her career.

“I am lucky to have a strong base in the language arts from my undergrad degrees, and my current program takes a deep dive into pedagogy, practices and educational equity.  But really I think the most important thing is being able to know what I don’t know because that is where the opportunity for learning and growth is,” Shoch said.

According to Shoch, she is grateful for her opportunity to learn at Altoona and enjoys seeing what all the school has to offer.  

“Altoona is much larger than the high school I went to, yet it is similar in a lot of ways.  I love walking down the hallways and seeing all the club posters and the window art on the bridge.  And the creativity of the morning announcements and their daily skits shocked me.  It’s amazing that students here have so many opportunities to get involved, whether that’s the drama club, sports or a CTC program.  I am learning so much and really enjoy getting to know the school and the way it functions,” Shoch said. 

The experience of student teaching has taught Shoch more about teaching than any class she could ever have and has opened her eyes to questions she will always ask herself as a teacher to better the lives of her students.  

“It really is monumentally impactful to get in the classroom and see the work in person.  I have also gotten into the habit of keeping a journal on my computer where I write about what I am doing each day, things that I notice, questions I have and people I meet.  This element of personal inquiry is one I hope to carry with me into the future,” Shoch said.

Even with the recent shortage of teachers in some places, Shoch is optimistic about her future as an educator, but not without wondering about some difficulties that could possibly surface.  

“Growing up, I always heard that there were too many teachers, and no one could get a job.  So as an educator entering the workforce, the current shortage definitely makes me hopeful that my job search will be successful, and I will be happily settled in my own classroom come next fall,” Shoch said. “However, the shortage poses complications on a larger scale.  A lack of subs, lack of time, and overcrowding in classes makes every teacher’s job more difficult.”

Since being a student teacher, Shoch’s favorite part is getting to meet and work with new people.  

“Building connections with students and observing other teachers has been so much fun.  I also know that I hit the jackpot with my mentor Mrs. Lowe.  I almost wish I could go back to high school and have her as my English teacher.  Not only is she remarkably knowledgeable and erudite in her English knowledge, but she exemplifies the way an educator can really connect with and care for their students,” Shoch said.

From the beginning until now, Shoch has felt different emotions when being up in front of the classroom teaching.

“At the beginning of the year I felt a tad nervous getting up in front of the class.  I didn’t want to appear unprepared or take the class away from their wonderful teacher Mrs. Lowe,” Shoch said.  “But now, I feel much more at ease; I am so genuinely happy to see students walk in the door every day.I get so excited when we have a class period that goes really well.”

As Shoch has gotten to teach, some of her students have begun to know her and describe the kind of teacher she is.

“I think Ms. Shoch is a wonderful teacher; specifically, she is passionate about literature and almost effortlessly presents her lessons while being mindful to engage her students’ attention. Additionally, she is very kind by nature and acknowledges every student in the classroom,”  senior Savanah Green said. 

Just like Green, Shoch’s mentor, Lowe, describes her characteristics as a teacher and gives her advice as she continues her career after student teaching. 

“She is very knowledgeable about her field, she knows the fundamentals of how to create lessons and run a classroom, but more importantly she is also passionate about teaching as a profession and brings energy and creativity into the classroom. She genuinely cares about her students, and that might be the most important factor to her success. My advice is that on the bad days—and there will be bad days—to remember that they will always be outweighed by the good days.” Lowe said.

Shoch gives her senior students a piece of advice as they leave high school and experience life. 

“High school is a wonderful time of life, but in my opinion it gets even better afterwards.  Continuing your learner’s mindset even when out of school is so important.  Pick up a new hobby, start a passion project or continue to read about new things.  Whether students go to college, join the workforce or learn a trade, I hope they follow what truly makes them happy and never stop learning,” Shoch said.