BGSU senior credits early exposure to the classroom with growth as an educator

Emma Haber logged more than 500 hours of field classroom experience before student teaching

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

As Bowling Green State University senior Emma Haber prepares to embark on her professional teaching career, she credits her growth as an educator to early and consistent exposure to the classroom.

Haber began field classroom experiences during her sophomore year in the University’s nationally-ranked teacher education program. She further strengthened her skills and confidence through student teaching and using Mursion, a mixed-reality platform unique to BGSU that lets students practice teaching in a simulated classroom. 

Haber taught third grade at Whitehouse Primary School in the Anthony Wayne Local School District near Toledo in Fall 2023. This semester, Haber is teaching kindergarten through fifth grade at Riverside Elementary in the Toledo Public School District.

“All of the different schools I’ve been to have given me so much experience with different students and different circumstances," said Haber, who is majoring in inclusive early childhood education. "Everything you need to know as a teacher has been addressed in the different placements they’ve given us."

Nicole Kemmer, who was Haber’s cooperating teacher at Whitehouse Primary School, watched Haber develop into a confident and respected teacher during her time in the classroom, exemplifying the education and preparation provided by BGSU.

“She was planning lessons geared toward the students’ interests and creating hands-on student-centered lessons that every child enjoyed,” Kemmer said. “She stood in front of the classroom, determined and proud. My favorite quality about Emma is how she never gave up. She would look for another game, reteach students in a small group or plan another lesson if students didn’t get it the first time.

“BGSU has well-prepared Emma for her future as a teacher. She is responsible, creative and motivated. Her future is so bright.”

As one of Ohio’s largest producers of teacher education graduates, BGSU has long been regarded for the caliber of its education program, which drew Haber to the University.

The School of Inclusive Teacher Education in the BGSU College of Education and Human Development uses cutting-edge technology and research-based practices to prepare students to meet the needs of all learners.

The University’s teacher candidates log more than 500 hours of field classroom experience before student teaching, far exceeding the state's minimum requirement of 100 hours.

“I knew Bowling Green had a really good education program for any grade level of teacher,” Haber said. “It's one of the best in the state for becoming a teacher. They prepare you the most, and I’ve honestly felt that going through the program with how all the classes have gone and how many places I’ve been.”