Lauren Fenenbock

RWS 1311, M/W

Kinley
September 17, 2014
Project Proposal
Introduction:
Since I was a teenager, I have always known that I either wanted to work in the
film industry or be an early childhood education teacher. When I first began my
undergraduate studies, I decided to take film courses to see if that was the right career
path for me. Through a series of events, my studies were sidelined and in the interim I
took a job as a teachers assistant at a pre-school. Although I am still passionate about
film, my hands-on work at the pre-school led me to realize that I would like to complete
my degree in early childhood education. In order to do so, I believe that it would be
beneficial for me to take a closer look at what it means to be an elementary school
teacher.
I already know that I love working with children and that being a teacher is
extremely rewarding. It is great being able to help children learn and grow. However, I
dont know how to decide on some of the specifics such as: choosing a degree plan,
which grade level to teach, where to teach, and if I should go to graduate school. Thus,
the main purpose of my project will be to find out what I need to do become an
elementary school teacher. I believe that this is a worthwhile project because nothing is
more important than educating a child.

Literature Review/Background:
This project will allow me to delve deeper into the many questions I have for
becoming a teacher. The first question I have is, teaching which grade level will be best
suited to my individual strengths and weaknesses? I will research the main focuses of
each grade level by first asking a UTEP librarian where the best place would be to find
that kind of information. Once I have the information, I will go over it and compare and
contrast the different grades. I will then include my thoughts on teaching which grades
would best suit me.
I am currently following the Elementary Education (ELED): EC-6 Generalist
degree plan. Should I specialize in a specific subject rather than a specific grade level? I
will take a closer look at the other education degree plans to make sure that my current
degree plan is the best one for me.
What are the differences between teaching in Texas and New Mexico? I will look
at the entry-level teacher information for our local school districts to find out what the
differences are. What other jobs are available to Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
degree holders? Depending on what I find, I may be able to incorporate my love of film
into some kind of job in the educational entertainment industry. Is it beneficial for me to
get a Masters degree? I will look at this both from a financial and academic standpoint.
Procedure/Methodology:
I plan on doing at least one interview with a kindergarten teacher and doing a site
observation in her class. This teacher has taught both in a public and private school. I
will be able to ask her about how they differ. I will also be able to ask her how she chose
to teach kindergarten, what are some of the best things about teaching kindergarten,
and what some of the difficulties or obstacles have been and how she has overcome

them. In other words, what advice does she have for a new teacher or what information
does she wish she had known before she began her career. Time permitting, I would like
to also interview a fourth grade teacher and observe her class. She used to teach first
grade, so I would like to get her thoughts on the differences between the two grades.
I have not yet decided whether I plan on surveying fellow education majors or
current elementary school teachers. I am leaning towards the teachers because I think
that their feedback would be more beneficial in helping me to answer some of my
questions. My project plan timeline is currently up in the air because I am currently
looking for a part time job. Once I have one, my study schedule may change drastically.
However, I plan on following the syllabus guidelines as closely as possible.
Conclusion:
Through my research, site observations, interviews, and survey results, I hope to
achieve my objective of getting one step closer to becoming an elementary school
teacher. By the end of my project, I hope to be able to answer all of the following: which
grade level or subject to teach, which degree plan to follow, which district I should teach
in, other career options for Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree holders, and
should I get a Masters? I believe that answering these questions will help me to
accomplish my ultimate goal; which is to be a successful early childhood educator. I
know how important my elementary school teachers were to me. I hope to be able to
have the same impact on my future students.