UMSL College of Education

When I didn't do well during my student teaching experience (I realized that teaching wasn't for me / it was never my dream). A higher-up in this program, Stephanie Kocielski, called my private phone number and left a voicemail requesting I call her back. During the phone call, she privately berated me in an extremely rude/condescending tone for performing poorly. After berating me, she tried to sell me an uncertified teaching degree (What most would consider a worthless degree). Afterward, I hung up the phone call, and transferred into a different program. (Thankfully, no debt; I don't owe these people or this program anything.) To put this situation into perspective, this staff member was being so aggressive/rude that it sounded like she wanted to fight me over the phone. In retrospect, I regret that I didn't officially report this incident to the university. I did nothing that warranted being treated poorly. Another issue, I was never taken out of the practicum (student teaching) Canvas page for 6 weeks. I had to personally contact the education management through Canvas to be taken out of it. For 6 weeks, I constantly saw reminders of this program when I was trying to complete coursework for my new major. Regarding the practicum (student teaching placement), I wasn't told the corresponding teacher's name or given any contact information until 2-3 days prior to the placement. Additionally, I was told the wrong grade level. My personal issues with this program: 1.) Unprofessional behavior from staff/poor management. 2.) A lack of adequate 'weeder' courses. (Outside of student teaching, which is the last year of the program.) 3.) No subbing hour requirement to progress through the program. (There is a sub certification requirement, but no subbing hour requirement.) 4.) Mild-to-moderate ableism. If you have any disabilities (e.g., asperger's/autism) or any history of social issues (even if these social issues are mild or "invisible", as in, you are high functioning), please avoid this program/field, you will not be treated well. 5.) Professors pushing their political views onto students through required course material. 6.) Out of touch professors and staff who haven't taught in the field for years or even decades. 7.) Course overlap (e.g. The same material being covered multiple times in separate courses, with several courses being extremely similar.)
Mar 13th, 2024

Aug 24th, 2023

Jan 4th, 2023

Sep 19th, 2022