VSN Future Teacher Club

Valley Stream North High School offers many clubs/activities available for students to enjoy and learn from after school. For example, the Future Teacher Club, organized by two English teachers, Ms. Coleman and Mrs. Modzelewski, is a new club this school year. The club, like the name, is about being a teacher, a future teacher. If you are interested in teaching, this is the club for you.

During past meetings, we’ve had guest speakers, for example, Ms. Mulkeen, from the English as a New Language Department, Mr. Jara, assistant principal, former dean, and Spanish teacher, also Dr. Small, North’s principal, Dr. Seinfeld, a dean from Long Island University Post, and Fabayo McIntosh, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in District 13. We've had speakers with dual certification (not one but two fields or subjects), which is great to have because you can hear from someone who knows about teaching and can give you any tips, warnings, and encouragement.

I interviewed Ms. Coleman and Mrs. Modzelewski about the club, and their answers are very easy to understand and give a thorough description of the club.

1. What is the purpose of the club?

“​Future Teacher Club is to offer an opportunity for students possibly interested in pursuing a career in education.”

2. Why should students consider joining?

“​Students will have access to presentations and question and answer sessions with education professionals at different levels - teachers of all disciplines, building administrators, superintendents, and college professors and deans. These contacts will provide invaluable resources for interested students.”

3. Can all grades gain from this club?

“The club is currently available to students in grades 9-12.”

4. What do the students learn about the educational field once joining?

“​The students will learn information about the certification process, necessary classes, approaches to student teaching, dual enrollment programs, and more.”

I've always wanted to teach, and before joining the Future Teacher Club, I didn't think too much of it. Instead, I thought the feeling would pass and tried not to think about it. After the first few meetings, I decided that teaching is something that I would most definitely do. I've learned so much from this club and met wonderful people who advised and provided us with their knowledge, which has definitely encouraged me to not only want to teach English or History, but to go further because there's more than just teaching a single subject, or two.

I would advise anyone who wants to teach to join because it's a perfect opportunity to learn from someone who is willing to guide you, meet wonderful people, learn about our teachers’ careers and how they got to where they are now, and how much effort they’ve put into studying and teaching. Not only that, but some meetings provide snacks! Even if you are in 7th or 8th grade, think of this as a club to look forward to.