Andrew Teeple is a part of the PackTeach program at the University of ϱ, Reno. He is set to graduate in winter 2023 with a dual degree in secondary education and English. Teeple selected the program because it provided all the essential elements for him to become a teacher and make a positive impact on the world.
"I want to make the world a better place, and what better way is there to accomplish that goal than to educate the future," expressed Teeple.
Reflecting on the PackTeach English program, Teeple highlighted, "I have to say that the best part of the PackTeach English program (there are so many) has to be Dr. Gallo. While every single teacher that I had and every single academic advisor has been instrumental in my development as a teacher, Dr. Gallo and her classes reign supreme. She was always welcoming, and having her teach us different strategies was incredibly beneficial to my success as a teacher. That unit plan she has her students complete might be a lot of work, but because of it, I was so prepared for lesson planning in my student teaching experience."
Jessica Gallo, Ph.D., an associate professor of secondary education in the College of Education & Human Development, has been Teeple's mentor throughout the PackTeach program.
“I have loved having Andrew in my classes," Gallo said. "He is such a positive and enthusiastic addition to the teaching profession, and I know his future students will love learning with him. I am really proud to call Andrew a PackTeach English grad!”
Teeple engaged in student teaching internships in both middle and high schools.
"I started off with my middle school practicum at Dilworth Middle School in spring of 2022 in an 8th grade Math class," Teeple shared. "I learned how to manage classroom behavior and had an incredible lead teacher who showed me how to control the classroom and how to hold the attention of students."
Transitioning to a high school practicum at Spark High School in the fall of 2022 in a sophomore English class, Teeple described Sparks as "an entirely different experience," providing insights into how English is taught in a high school environment and exposing him to various teaching styles due to block scheduling.
Concluding his teaching experience at Rolling Hills Middle School in the fall of 2023 in an 8th grade English class, Teeple deemed it "the best experience of my life," emphasizing the opportunity to understand the daily operations of a school, attend meetings, conferences, and teach every single day.
Teeple's cherished memory from the University was his role as a resident assistant in the ϱ Living Learning Community.
"A huge shout out to Tamia Manning, J Simpson, Shawn Dorado, Karma Tellez, Shailynn Winter, AJ Okwuosa, Alexia Walck, AB Fofanah and Val Meister for not only making my last year at the University an unforgettable experience but also for exposing me and teaching me about different cultures that I had not been otherwise exposed to," Teeple said. "Because of them, I have become a better human, and because of their kindness and willingness to teach me, my students will be better individuals."
Teeple said he also enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in the College of Education & Human Development.
"We would always stop by (the LRC) for the coffee and the printing materials they had for students to use, and it was our spot between our English class and Dr. Gallo's class," Teeple said. "We would basically just relax in the chairs and work on assignments for classes together or just hang out and vent about life and what isn't working for us. It was always quiet and peaceful, almost like a serene getaway."
Teeple's decision to become a teacher was influenced by a class with his favorite high school teacher.
"My AP Government teacher, Mr. Moura, was an awesome person to have as a teacher, especially when you walk into his classroom at 7:45 in the morning, and you are incredibly tired only to be woken up by this man with a deep and booming voice," Teeple recalled. "He made education fun for me and was one of many inspirations that pushed me to become a teacher."
