By Kosha Oswald
Grand Rapids Community College alumna Alexandra Krupp, 23, has started a blog about her passion for teaching. She attended GRCC from 2011 to 2013 before transferring to Grand Valley State University. Krupp now teaches preschool at Forest Hills Presbyterian Preschool, where teaching has inspired her to start a blog.
Her blog is called “Who’s Teaching Who” because she said the students are constantly teaching her things even though she is technically the teacher.
“It amazes me the things they will come up with, say, and do,” Krupp said. “There is never a dull moment in teaching.”
Krupp began the blog with hopes of connecting with other teachers and educational professionals. She also enjoys writing and was excited to find something where she could combine both passions.
“Writing has always been my number one passion, and teaching came later,” Krupp said. “But, now I would say they’re tied for first place. I also hope to take my blog into some sort of freelancing route in the future.”
While attending GRCC, Krupp wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a teacher and studied general education. She took literature courses including Popular Literature EN 242 and also CD 105, which is Foundations of Early Childhood Education.
“The courses I took at GRCC definitely prepared me for my teaching career,” Krupp said. “Taking CD 105 is what first sparked my interest in teaching.”
After completing courses at GRCC, Krupp transferred to GVSU, where she earned a bachelor of arts, specializing in English for secondary education. She is enjoying teaching preschool and sees herself doing so for a long time.
GRCC is currently in the process of constructing the new lab preschool that is projected to be completed in December. The preschool will serve many purposes, including providing a hands on learning environment for students in the Child Development program.
“I think it’s awesome,” Krupp said. “There is so much to be said for early childhood education. It really is the foundation of building a love for learning.”
Krupp would like to offer advice to those studying or hoping to study early childhood education.
“I would advise creating some sort of portfolio early in your educational career,” Krupp said. “Read constantly, too. Because things are constantly changing in this field.”
Krupp also encouraged students to look to Pinterest for lesson plan ideas and activities to do with students. She also advises college students to connect with their classmates and teachers, people who can be helpful resources later on. For advice, stories, or tips on teaching check out Krupp’s blog.
This article originally appeared on The Collegiate Live.
