Providing support to bring new innovative ideas into the classroom

School of Education students learn as they help make a difference in a Community Resource and Education Center through a partnership with Onward Neighborhood House (ONH). This partnership helps Onward House bring a new innovative ideas into the classroom. Onward House was very excited to host Loyola School of Education graduate students for the second year. Students spent three weeks at Onward House, observing their classrooms and experiencing their lesson plans. The ONH kids loved having the extra teachers in the classrooms to provide additional support and attention. This summer, ONH has extended the time Loyola candidates spend in the classrooms by an additional six weeks.

Destiny Hooper, a first year graduate student seeking a master's degree in Secondary Education, described her time at Onward House as, "a transformative experience." She had never seen teachers demonstrate the attention to and patience with students like their teachers at Onward House: "each day, she shared, Onward House teachers gave students a voice, brought them together and created a well-rounded learning experience."

Chris Libert, another first year graduate student seeking a master's degree in Secondary Education, described Onward House as "diverse, welcoming, warm, and empowering." When Chris arrived at Onward House, he spoke very little Spanish; he thought this might create a barrier to interact with the kids. As he spent more time in the classroom, he found he could turn playtime into learning, breaking down the language barrier. He also applauded Onward House as an organization: "Onward House is culturally accountable, giving parents opportunities that can in turn help make a difference in a child's life."