Newspaper Article - Being New in Newville

Being New in Newville
Justin Kurtz
PSU Student Teacher; Agricultural and Extension Education

Hello! My name is Justin Kurtz, and I’m a Penn State Student Majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education which is another way for me to say that I’m going to school to be a Rockstar teacher like the ones at the Big Spring High School.

For the past 14 weeks or so, I have been a student teacher in the Big Spring High School where I’ve had the opportunity to stand on the other side of the desk as I’ve taught courses such as Food Science, Leadership, Equine Science, Small Animal Science, Plant and Greenhouse Science, Essential Home Projects, and Small Gas Engines. 

I’ve learned many things these past 14 weeks, including that a school district or high school works just like a Small Gas Engine. In that a small gas engine is composed of many parts of various sizes and functions that work together to serve a common purpose which is to exert power. So too is a school district composed of parts which I’ve identified as a supportive administration, an active community, and an excellent team of teachers, faculty, and staff. All of which work together to exert power. 

A supportive administration was evidenced in a meeting with Mr. Jason Shover when he shared his thoughts on the role of school administration. He mentioned that as Big Spring High School Building Principal, he must take a more holistic approach as he considers the needs of all departments and individuals. He says foremostly though, “it’s all about the kids”.

An active community became very apparent to me after coming to my first school board meeting. I even saw this active community before I made it to Newville. When asked by Sherisa Nailor, one of three FFA advisors at the Big Spring High School, Ms. Donna Webster opened her home and family to a student teacher like me. I can assure you that such a relationship between teachers and community is not one that can be taken for granted.

Lastly, I got first hand experience with excellent teachers, faculty, and staff by learning from the best in the state, and country depending upon the criteria. Working alongside Mrs. Sherisa Nailor, past President of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, I recognized the importance of working in cooperation with others to accomplish bigger picture tasks at hand. Alongside Mrs. SaraBeth Fulton, I took notice of the imperative role teachers play in a students life as she eagerly offered herself to hear student concerns which ranged from academic progress to how to cope with a poor home life. Ms. Madelyn Bentz showed me how new teachers pour themselves into providing a high quality education, even outside of contract hours which is different from many other professions. 

Trust me when I say that these are merely 3 examples of excellent teachers, faculty, and staff because I’ve witnessed the dedication put forth by all at the Big Spring High School, as they work to support students in any way they can. 

So I’ve identified three generic components to the Small Gas Engine that we call the Big Spring School District. A supportive administration, an active community, and excellent teachers, faculty, and staff. As you may notice, I have not identified students as a part of this machine. That is because the students are the power that we produce.

This generation of students are challenged to solve the problems that we can’t. And the work they do will not only impact us here in Newville, Pennsylvania, or the United States, but rather the entire world because we are global citizens. Even my university supervisor, Dr. Kevin Curry, gave a positive testament to our students as he shared that I likely wouldn’t have it as easy if I went somewhere else. 

I believe that he is correct and that he is able to provide this compliment because of work that is being done right here in our community, and in our schools. I’d like to say thank you for allowing me to participate in my student teaching experience here at Big Spring, and that I believe that as long as we continue to work together, our Small Gas Engine will remain ever, always, strong.