Topic of the Week: Looking Back - A Reflection of the Fall 2011 Semester

As the semester comes to a close, it is important for us to reflect on both our achievements and what we would like to improve upon as students. For our final discussion, we invite you to share some of your academic and professional accomplishments as well as what you hope to work on next semester. 

What was your biggest achievement this semester? What did you learn about yourself? How did you learn best? What could you have done differently? 

We are especially interested in hearing about the experiences of our student teachers. Tell us all about it!

The S.T.A.R. Coordinators would like to thank all mentors and buddies for their active participation and enthusiam this past semester. We you had an exciting, productive semester and formed lasting friendships that will continue to grow in the Spring. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Holiday Cards for Troops

On December 7th, in the Sullivan Hall Cafe, S.T.A.R. hosted its first annual "Holiday Cards for Troops" event.  It proved to be an exciting afternoon as mentors, buddies, and other students from the School of Education took the time to create wonderfully decorated holiday cards to send to the brave men and women of our nation, many of whom cannot spend the holiday season with their families this year. Over 50 cards were created, each one containing a unique, personalized message expressing appreciation for the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to protect our freedom. The S.T.A.R. Coordinators mailed the cards to the American Red Cross, who, working with Pitney Bowes, a mail stream technology company, will collect and distribute them to American service members and their families throughout the world. Thank you to all who sent a "touch of home" to our troops.

For more photos from the event, click here.

Last Chance to RSVP!

Make sure EVERYONE RSVP's to our S.T.A.R. event.

We promise holiday fun, baked goods, and a good time for everyone!

Topic of the Week: Study Strategies

It's that time of year again! With final exams only a week away, we want to know how you've been preparing. For this week's discussion, let's talk study strategies.  

What study habits work for you? How do you prepare for a big exam? For upperclassmen, any words of advice for freshmen about to take their first round of finals at St. John's? 

The Study Guides and Strategies website, http://www.studygs.net/ is an excellent resource for all your studying needs. Here you'll find a variety of study tips and tricks, along with techniques to better manage your time and prepare for exams. 

For a list of quiet study hours and locations on campus, click here.

Finally, we encourage all S.T.A.R. participants to take the time to meet with their mentor or buddy one last time before the close of the semester. Tomorrow's event, Holiday Cards for Troops at 1:50pm in the Sullivan Hall Cafe, will be a great opportunity to do so.

Good luck!

Topic of the Week: Professional Development Events in the School of Education

The School of Education hosts a variety of events and workshops almost every week to prepare students to enter the professional world, network, or engage in professional discussion on various topics in education.

Tell us about an event you have been to. How did it benefit you as a future educator? Why was it interesting? What did you learn? 

Some examples include:

• Teacher Certification Workshops (Violence Prevention, Child Abuse)
• Careers Outside the Classroom
• E-Portfolio Workshop
• Job Search Workshop
• Stacey Bess Lecture
• Kappa Delta Pi Assemblies
• Career Fair

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit the School of Education website at http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/undergraduate/education/currentevents

Topic of the Week: Teacher Certification Exams

For our first discussion topic, let's talk Teacher Certification exams. As we know, all future educators are required to take a series of exams to become a licensed teacher in New York State: The Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills (AST-W), and the Content Specialty Test (CST). Remember, it is essential to begin preparing for the exams as soon as possible and avoid saving them for the last minute. It is wise to complete all exams before you apply for student teaching your senior year!

All freshmen should have already registered for the LAST exam. St. John's offers various preparation courses throughout the semester, which students can sign up for in Sullivan Hall room G-06. Finally, it is important for students to inform the Dean's Office of the status of all exams and report scores as soon as they arrive. 

For more information on the NYSTCE, visit http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/index.asp. The website even offers practice exam questions and helpful study guides!

Further information can be found on the St. John's website, http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/index.asp.

Tell us: Which exams have you taken? What did you think? How did you prepare for the exam and what advice do you have for students about to take it? 

*Please remember to keep all posts both positive and professional. Any negative or derogatory posts will be removed promptly.*

Halloween Extravaganza

The S.T.A.R. Halloween Extravaganza on Monday, October 31st, proved to be a spectacular bonding event as buddies, mentors, and School of Education students got together to sit back, relax and enjoy a bit of Halloween fun. Pizza was served alongside delicious baked goods and candy donated by generous members of our S.T.A.R. team, many of whom displayed their Halloween spirit by arriving in full costume. Mentors and Buddies had the opportunity to take photos, watch the classic Halloween movie "Hocus Pocus," and perhaps share a laugh or two. At the close of the event, the S.T.A.R. Coordinators awarded two prizes, treat bags filled with candy and a Starbucks gift card, to the best dressed mentor/buddy pair, Kelvin Sage and his freshman buddy, Saalima Welch. Congratulations to the most spirited duo, who dressed up as Batman and an adorable school girl. The S.T.A.R. Coordinators were thrilled at the large turn out and enthusiasm of all who attended. It will certainly be one of many exciting events to come!