Ambitious students from Truman University have begun internships working with teachers during this school year at CHS.
These interns aid their teacher mentors inside and outside the classroom with responsibilities ranging from handing out papers to giving one on one sessions with students who need a little more help.
The staff includes physical education intern Kevin Davis and social studies interns Audrey Lampe and Sarah Jenkins.  These interns took on a heavy workload when they signed up for one of the most important and underrated jobs in society.
The added work of being a part of a functioning classroom to the other duties as a graduate student proves to be a difficult yet rewarding task.
“Teaching at the high school has been a wild ride,” said Davis, who plans to teach in the areas of physical education and health.  In addition to his graduate school work, Davis also teaches seven classes at the high school and spends time coaching.  “Free time becomes a thing of the past.  You really have to love to teach.”
Lampe agrees when it comes to an increased work load.  The active environment keeps her constantly busy.
“You never have a dull moment, which I like,” Lampe said.  “I think it will keep getting even more involved when we start taking over the classrooms.”
Lampe also coaches some field hockey just to add to her already demanding day.
Jenkins, too, has realized the full scale of teaching in a high school.  She foresees the challenge increasing as the year goes on.
“It takes a long time to prepare lessons and even more time to grade student assignments,” Jenkins said.   “As the year goes on, I’ll be taking on more responsibilities in the classroom, which means more work, but will also be more fulfilling and enjoyable.”
Despite the massive work load, each intern has reflected positively on their experience.
“The internship at Clayton has been a great experience so far,” Davis said.  “In the college classroom you can learn about teaching styles, course material, lesson plans, but I feel you never actually learn how to teach until you are thrown into the classroom.”
According to Davis, the high school experience gives a level of education that a college classroom cannot provide.
Each of the interns has a unique perspective on their favorite aspects of the job.  For Lampe, it is the teaching environment.
“I love the history department,” Lampe said.  “They’re funny, great people to work with.”
Lampe also would prefer teaching students at the high school level.
The experience of working with the talented and intelligent students at CHS was the best part so far for Jenkins, who would also like to work with high school scholars.  Davis has a slightly different opinion on what level of students he would like to work with.
“I have learned a lot and would still be willing to teach at this level,” Davis said. “However, while I’m younger I would love to teach at the elementary level. The younger kids bring an energy to class that makes physical education a blast.”
While Davis, along with the other interns, has certainly enjoyed his time so far, he does not look forward to a certain, unavoidable part of the job.
“My least favorite part of interning at Clayton is the thought of leaving at the end of the year,” Davis said.  “Clayton is an amazing district; the students don’t know just how lucky they are.”