New teacher reflects on preparation

Brandon Mueten was an ESU student when he participated in a photo session for an Emporia State viewbook in 2006.

For a freshly-minted teacher, the first day of class can be a stressful experience. Not so for Brandon Mueten.

Armed with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education which he earned in May, 2007 from Emporia State University, Mueten was well-prepared when he headed into a classroom of third-graders at Wichita’s Seltzer Elementary School last month.

“I knew what to expect,” said Mueten. “And I felt I was more prepared than other new teachers.”

The reason for that feeling, Mueten said, stemmed from the emphasis his Emporia State professors put on making sure new teachers establish classroom rules during those first two days of school. “I was very prepared for that first two days. If you can get past that, you’re set,” he said.

Mueten’s first day experience at Seltzer was by no means the first time he’d tasted the opening day of school. His student teaching at Emporia’s Village and Riverside Elementary Schools enabled him to see effective classroom teachers in action at the beginning of the school year. “They taught me that it’s important to get the rules set first,” Mueten explained.

Mueten had high praise for his own teachers. “Deeann Holmes (early childhood/elementary teacher education instructor) was always there for me. She kept me on track, and I knew she cared about my success.”

Mueten grew up in Liberal, and worked a variety of jobs before deciding to finish his degree and realize his dream of becoming a classroom teacher. “This is the only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do,” he said of the new career he has launched.

 

Last Updated September 7, 2007>