Kim and Greg Pohlman. |
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory (Kimberly) Pohlman of Coldwater have something else in common besides being married to each other. Both have received their Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, Pre-K through third grade, from the Lake Campus of Wright State University.
As a final phase of the teacher education program, the Pohlmans, like fellow education students, has been required to student teach for ten weeks during which they have had to prepare and implement lessons and carry out other teaching responsibilities. Kimberly is completing her ten weeks in grade three at Ft. Recovery Elementary School under the observation of cooperating teacher Carol Knapke and university supervisor Colleen Fawcett. Greg is student teaching in Grade three at New Bremen Elementary under the observation of cooperating teacher Rosie Wermert. Fawcett is also his university supervisor.
Both Greg and Kim’s decision to become teachers began partly because of good teachers they had when they were in school, but other influences came earlier for Kim. Her interest in teaching started when she baby-sat her four younger brothers and children from other families, too. “I discovered I really enjoyed being with children and was always amazed at their vigor for life,” Kim says.
Greg’s began when he was in high school and began tutoring some elementary children. “I loved to see them succeed,” he says.
Both soon-to-be teachers give a lot of credit to their cooperating teachers during their student teaching experience. “I have gained many great experiences with Ms. Wermert,” says Greg. “I have learned what a huge responsibility teaching is, and that a teacher’s role is a very serious and dedicated one. She has also helped me see that the rewards are great, too.”
Kim says she “has really been blessed to have the chance to work with my cooperating teacher Mrs. Knapke. She has been an excellent role for me. I learned a lot about children, teachers, and the various classroom procedures and responsibilities from her, and so much more. I have also learned a great deal about myself - some of my strengths and the areas I want to improve in.”
Greg talked more about his enjoyment of watching children succeed in what they were doing: “It is so rewarding to know I have played a role in their success. My favorite thing is seeing the “light bulb” turn on for them when they learn something new.”
“Working with children is definitely a special privilege,” Kim notes. She says she loves getting to know them and develop new relationships. “I get to see their unique personalities, their likes and dislikes, the special happenings in their lives, and much more. With all this new knowledge, I am helped to be a better teacher for them and at the same time each one holds a special place in my heart.”
Kim notes there have been many rewards that have come from her student teaching experience, perhaps most of all the knowledge that “I am working to make a difference in children’s lives. Whether it is simply helping a child comprehend their division facts or being able to comfort a child having a bad day, I am rewarded in knowing I am making some kind of positive impact on these children. That’s what makes teaching such a wonderful profession. I’ve learned through my student teaching experience that teaching is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding things I have done! I take my responsibility to become an effective teacher and a good role model for children very seriously.”
Kim is a 1998 graduate of Coldwater High School. Greg graduated from Marion Local, also in 1998. The couple met, through three separate “matchmakers,” in the summer of 1999. They dated for six months, and they both knew they had found the “right one” for them and set the date and were married September of 2001.
Both want to find a teaching job soon, hopefully in this area but both say they’ll go “wherever God leads them.” Being married and going to school is already a full time job but both do have some pastimes. Kim likes to read and walk; Greg likes woodworking and exercising. Both like to spend time with their families and with each other.
