January 16, 2025 - 2021 Smithson Valley High School graduate Jasmine Medina discovered her passion for teaching through the Ready, Set, Teach CTE course her junior year of high school. Now a Kinder Ranch Elementary student teacher, Medina will be graduating with her bachelors degree in education from The University of Texas at San Antonio in May.
For many students, career interests begin in high school. The Ready, Set, Teach program offered to juniors and seniors at select high school campuses, involves a two period long class where students learn about the different roles and processes in education.
Students enrolled in the program visit elementary campuses and gain real classroom experience by interacting with elementary students, aiding teachers, and becoming familiarized with the preparation needed to manage a classroom.
“The Ready, Set, Teach program was a nice experience because it showed me what it is like to be a teacher,” Medina says. “It opened my eyes to how much I enjoy teaching and interacting with kids.”
It was a full circle moment for Medina who was a member of the first graduating class of Kinder Ranch Elementary. She spent her entire education in Comal ISD, including Spring Branch Middle School and SVHS. Now as a student teacher at Kinder Ranch, she has a newfound appreciation for the hard work her teachers put in every day.
“Student teaching is very eye-opening,” Medina reveals. “As a student you don’t see the behind the scenes of a school. I’ve grown to appreciate the prepping and data associated with maintaining a class.”
The Ready, Set, Teach program prepared Medina for the challenges student teachers face when first entering a classroom. She had already been exposed to working with different age groups, teaching in front of a class, and learning the flexibility a teacher must have to be successful.
For her student teaching, Medina is working with a kindergarten class. Although kindergarten is a new experience, her joy for teaching combined with her previous experience in high school and at UTSA has helped her adapt quickly.
“I had never taught a kindergarten class before so it was an adjustment, but one thing that motivated me to pursue teaching were those moments when a young student would finally grasp a lesson they were struggling with,” Medina explains. “It is fun seeing their excitement which makes me feel excited too.”
As Medina’s journey towards becoming a teacher approaches its finish line, she hopes to begin teaching at an elementary school this fall. Her dedication to pursue teaching is a perfect example of how Comal ISD is providing opportunities for students to grow greatness.
Thank you Jasmine Medina for sharing how Comal ISD has helped you find your Path to Success
Photo Descriptions
- Smithson Valley High School graduate Jasmine Medina student teaching at Kinder Ranch Elementary
- Kinder Ranch Elementary student teacher Jasmine Medina interacting with kindergarten students