Now an elementary education major at Illinois College, Olson is gaining firsthand experience helping young students strengthen their reading skills. She spent the summer working on studentfaculty research with Suzanne Kell, assistant professor of education and the department chair. The work explored the impact of an eight-week literacy program for students in kindergarten through second grade.

Olson studied the curriculum and learned strategies for supporting children who struggle with reading. She then put those skills into practice. The experience has given her deep insight about what it will be like to have her own classroom one day.

“This has definitely grown my confidence in myself and my teaching abilities,” Olson said. “I’ve learned a lot about myself, my limits and how much patience I have working with students.”

Olson hopes to carry that growing confidence into a career as an elementary school teacher, where she can help young students build the skills they need to succeed. She is one of 24 students working with 11 faculty members across six academic departments at Illinois College this summer. The work is all generously supported by donor funding.

Her project is one example of how hands-on experiences for education students continue to expand at Illinois College. These opportunities give future teachers meaningful practice even before student teaching begins.

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