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By Jim Uphoff, Ed. D.
This is the time of year when Boards of Education accept the resignations to retire or grant leave of some of their teachers. The school districts then begin the search process to find the best possible replacements for the vacancies and/or new staff for any additional teaching positions anticipated.
Most of my readers know very little about the changes that have taken place in the preparation of new teachers and thus may have questions about whether or not they are really qualified. Just as we no longer have 45 rpm records, the changes in preparing teachers have been very major.
In almost all colleges today, students who want to earn a teaching credential must demonstrate their academic abilities prior to even being fully admitted into such a program. For many colleges this means at least a B- grade-point-average in at least a year of academic work outside of education. It also means having passed a test (Praxis I in Ohio) that includes assessment in the areas of math, reading, and writing. All of this is needed just to start in the program.
Then the students must now take much more academic content (math, science, English, social studies, etc.) than was the case just 10 to 20 years ago. For those working to teach at the Middle or High School levels, most have to pass a national content exam known in Ohio as Praxis II. Extensive early field experiences in real classrooms are now mandated by the State as is specific course work - for example six semester hours of phonics for elementary teachers.
Finally, all potential teachers must pass yet another part of the Praxis II test system, one on their Pedagogical (or teaching) knowledge. The student teaching portion of their preparation program is closely tied to the main national criteria of these exams and standards so that they are directly evaluated “on the job” by these expectations.
Bottom line, the new teachers being prepared in this new century are much better prepared in both their content knowledge and in their teaching knowledge and skill. They also bring with them a fresh and enthusiastic approach to teaching which is welcomed by their more veteran colleagues.
I am personally and professionally sure that if Oakwood hires any “brand-new” teachers for next year, our children will be well-served by them!
Four Oakwood orchestral groups, two band ensembles and sixteen soloists received excellent or superior ratings for their performances at this year’s Ohio Musical Educator’s Association (OMEA) District 12 Solo and Ensemble competition. It was hosted by Springfield North High School on Feb. 4 for students in vocal music, band and orchestra.
Earning superior ratings in HS vocal solos were, Jennifer Hanna, mezzo-soprano; Lauren Shine, mezzo-soprano; Rebeka Bolmida, soprano; Merideth Snead, soprano; Ruth Reveal, mezzo-soprano; Hannah Berry, soprano; and Alyssa Hanson, soprano.
High school orchestral soloists receiving superior ratings were Annie Wang, cello; David Wang, violin; and Nicholas Hac’ on both violin and piano. In ensemble
competition, the string quartet of Nicholas Hac’, Sarah Maher, Kira Fenstermacher and Cate Herringer received a superior rating. Also receiving superior ratings in ensemble performance were a cello trio of Annie Wang, Jamie Tolles and Colleen Judge; a cello duet of Jamie Tolles and Annie Wang; and a violin duet of David Wang and Nicholas Hac’.
Soloists in high school band performance receiving superior ratings were Amanda Hall, flute; Lauren Enns, flute; Jonathan Taylor, bassoon; Ashley Morrison, flute;
and Patrick Murphy, tuba. Ben Hershey received an excellent rating in solo
performance on trumpet. The trombone quartet of Brad Towne, Matt McAllister, Grayson Hart and Sam Ippisch and the flute trio of Amanda Hall, Lauren Enns and Anna Chifalo both received superior ratings in ensemble performance.
The Oakwood Orchestra received a superior rating at the OMEA State Orchestra Contest held at Gahanna High School on March 4. The Oakwood Band received a superior rating and the Oakwood Women’s Choir and Symphonic Chorale both received excellent ratings at the OMEA District Large Group Contest for Band and Choir, hosted by Kettering on March 10 and 11.
Oakwood JH sent one orchestral group, two chorale ensembles and sixteen soloists, who received superior, excellent, and good ratings for their performances at the OMEA Junior High Solo & Ensemble Contest. It was held at Brookville High School on March 25 for students in vocal music, band and orchestra.
Junior high orchestral violin soloist, Clara Hofeldt received a superior rating. A string quartet, comprised of Clara Hofeldt and Ellen Milligan, violin, Christina Borchers, viola, and Colin Ward, cello, also received a superior rating.
Soloists in junior high band performance receiving superior ratings were Marcus Vierecki, trumpet; Michael Chifala, snare drum; Madeleine Gillingham, flute; Ellen Vierecki, flute; and Philip Sizek, alto sax. Receiving excellent ratings were William Swank, trombone; Oliver Radcliffe, percussion; Molli Bell, flute; and Gabriel Robinson, bass clarinet. Erin Johnson, tenor sax received a good rating.
Earning superior ratings in JH vocal solos were Rob Mitchell, tenor; Amy Beck, mezzo-soprano; Carly Browning, mezzo-soprano; and Noah Berry, tenor. Chelsea Bolger, soprano received an excellent rating. Also receiving an excellent rating was the junior high mixed ensemble consisting of Melanie Ward, Clara Hofeldt, Clair White, Noah Berry, Tyler Rife, Ben Roess, Rob Mitchell, Carly Browning and Abby Scharrer. Georgi Dwiggins, Cayleigh Hopkins, Joanie Payne and Katy Mays received a good rating for their women’s ensemble.
We congratulate these fine students whose diligence in many long hours of
practice has earned for them such high marks.
Laughter, applause and cameras flashing. This past year marked the twelfth anniversary of the Smith School Spring Art show. Last Thursday evening, hundreds of parents made their way into Smith Elementary School to catch their children’s artwork on display throughout the hallways and classrooms.
The Spring Art Show kicked off the night with artwork on display for everyone to see, before the parents packed the gymnasium to watch the fifth and sixth grade choir give an unforgettable performance. It was obvious all of the students where excited to be there showcasing their vocal talents.
Following the choir performance, many various groups of students where in and out of the gym entertaining the crowd with a physical education demonstration. The demonstration included eleven mini performances. The students showcased everything from “Tinikling,” throwing around gymnic balls, dancing with parachutes all the way to dancing around in body “sox.” The students were full of energy and laughter - all the while having fun.
 Story and photos by Halle Bishop
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