Dec. 19, 2016
For Immediate Release

By Calen McKinney, public information officer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University education students recently visited Campbellsville middle and high schools to observe and learn what it's like being a teacher.

CHS Principal Kirby Smith and Assistant Principal Mark “Shiny” Kearney, along with CMS Principal Elisha Rhodes and Guidance Counselor Beth Wiedewitsch, spoke to students as they began their day.

Kearney said he encourages the CU students to talk to teachers and spend the day finding out if they really want to be teachers.

“You've really got to have a passion for kids to be in this,” he said.

Kearney said he encourages all education students to continue their education after college, to build their resume and get experience.

When teaching at a school system, he said, teachers are often asked to also be a coach for a sport or sponsor a school academic team.

“Say, ‘Yeah, I can do that. I can do whatever,'” he said. “If you love kids, you're in the right place.”

Rhodes said she began her career as a teacher and guidance counselor, but wanted to further her education.

“I then watched it open a door for me,” she said.

Rhodes said teachers must have a love for students, and be flexible with schedules.

“It's a very high-demanding, fast-paced job,” she said. “You've got to want to be here every day.”

And while teachers are there to help students learn, Rhodes said, they also provide support.

“You also have to be prepared to love them,” she said. “Some of them are never told, ‘I love you.'”

Rhodes said, “It's not just about academics. It's about developing the whole person.”

She said education today is leaning away from a teacher lecturing to students, to students becoming leaders and taking charge of their education.

Wiedewitsch told the CU students that, as a counselor, she must know her students well and be able to adapt to an ever-changing schedule.

“And teaching is a calling, without a doubt,” she said. “You will find where you fit in. Be open. You will find your right place.”

As a principal and mentor to students, Smith said, he works hard to be a team player and to build relationships with his students.

“You have a chance to save a life every day,” he said. “And if you do it for any other reason, you won't make it.

“It's the most rewarding job you could ever have.”