Spring 2008 Practicum Students and Staff
The
practicum program is the foundation of CWES, and the reason the field
station exists. The original
concept was created in 1975
to give UW –
Stevens Point
students a practical, hands-on teaching experience during their
undergraduate coursework. Over
the course of a semester, college students enrolled in the practicum
program have the opportunity to teach environmental education programs
to your school. These students
will go on to become classroom teachers, adventure trip leaders, and
employees in state, county, and National Parks.
"Practicum
taught me how much I love environmental education and helping others
experience the wonders of nature. I still have much to learn, but
I walked away from that semester with infinite knowledge about myself
and what I love to do. I hope to someday work as an educator at a
facility much like CWES and teach lessons on beavers, birds, forestry,
and much more. Thanks so much for helping me get a solid
foundation for my future." -Former Practicum Student
"I feel the practicum experience at CWES was one of the most beneficial
parts of my time at UWSP. Real hands on experience teaching under guided
supervision is a great thing and hard to come by, but the practicum
program at CWES captures that. The people you work with, and the people
you meet are great people dedicated to helping you succeed." - Former
Practicum Student
"I
was thinking back to all the positive growth skills and development that
I received at CWES and the guidance I was given. I just wanted to say
thanks. It has served me well as I continue to grow in my career as an
environmental educator. One
thing has stuck with me over the years more so than any others. It’s the
five essentials of a team: Collaboration, Creative thinking,
Communication, Cooperation, and Trust. Concepts that I shared before we
took to the obstacle course to apply them there- not only there, but in
their daily lives as well. I’ve been thinking about them myself as an
Alberta Parks staff team member and the ups and downs through the
different parks I’ve been employed at. It’s been my personal mantra
since those days and I know you’ve been considering them too as that
lesson continues." -Former Practicum Student