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Senior Dayna De Simone (Wilton, Conn.) is teaching Spanish to students in kindergarten through fifth grade in the Palisades School District in Bucks County, Pa.
A Spanish and International Affairs double major, De Simone is conducting an internship at Durham Nockamixon Elementary School and Springfield Elementary School.
“I develop my own unique lesson plans for every class I teach, within the established curriculum guidelines, and create my own manipulative material to use in the classroom,” she says.
She interacts with students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the schools. Her internship supervisor and cooperating teacher is Sue Jefferson, an elementary school language teacher.
At Lafayette, De Simone is taking a course with other student interns taught by Camille Qualtere, visiting part-time instructor of foreign languages and literatures, which discusses teaching techniques, child development, and basic educational principles.
“I am gaining incredibly valuable experience focused towards a future in education,” she says.
De Simone, who spent a semester studying abroad in Spain, says she chose to do this internship because she was looking to put her Spanish language skills to use in a real world setting. “I can use my Spanish during this internship while teaching children and gaining professional experience as well. It differs from my other academic courses, yet builds upon the foundation that they established.”
“There are many opportunities for Lafayette students to engage in distinctive academic experiences, and I think students should be involved in opportunities to utilize their knowledge and education in practical and realistic atmospheres,” she adds.
A graduate of Wilton High School, De Simone is a resident adviser, member of the club field hockey team, sister in Alpha Phi sorority, and tour guide for the admissions office. She served as an orientation leader in fall 2000.