Kiara Suarez-Sosa is a recent graduate of Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education. While she may just be starting her first year of teaching, she’s been a tutor with the Tutor (316) program since January 2019. Her internship with the program equipped her to manage her own classroom and grow as an educator.
Suarez-Sosa started her time at Tutor (316) when the program was initially called America Reads. She began as a reading specialist and teaching aide within the Maize Public School District. She worked a semester in the Andover Public School District, but she is currently working at Gordon Parks Academy in the Wichita Public School District.
“I worked closely with elementary students who needed additional help and support with reading,” Suarez-Sosa says. “This work often consisted of reading tests out loud to them, helping them read, and practicing how to spell words.”
She also created English Language Arts lesson plans and literacy strategies. In addition, she designed activities that focused on social-emotional learning. Social-emotional learning helps teach children how to regulate their emotions, help them accept and acknowledge their feelings and convert their energy to use in the classroom successfully. Suarez-Sosa says she hopes to use these skills and lessons in her own classroom.
“My internship has helped ease me into the teaching environment,” Suarez-Sosa says. “When I began my student teaching, I felt confident walking into the building because I already had experience working with students, so I didn’t feel as intimated as I might have.”
Internships are one of the best ways students can prepare for their future careers. They provide inside knowledge that can’t be taught in a classroom and give students a leg-up when interviewing for positions.
“Tutor (316) provided me with ample opportunities for networking and establishing myself within the teaching profession,” Suarez-Sosa says. “Because of Tutor (316), I know I will be ready for my first year of teaching.”
Suarez-Sosa has accepted an English teaching position at Wichita East High School for the 2022-2023 school year. She does not yet know what grade she’ll teach, but she’s excited to start the next chapter of her career.
Tutor (316) provides Wichita State students part-time employment opportunities to work with local schools in classrooms and after-school programs.
The Shocker Career Accelerator helps prepare students for their future careers by connecting them with employers and providing career development services. Contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, or stop by and see us in the John Bardo Center.