School of Interdisciplinary Studies

Teacher Development Center

The future of teaching in Texas:

Five questions with student teacher Nikki Weeks Minich

For some people, nothing compares to the rush of acting on stage, with dozens of pairs of eyes watching their every move as they present tales of wonder or intrigue.

For University of Texas at Dallas senior and literary studies major Nikki Weeks Minich, nothing compares to the rush of standing in front of a classroom, with dozens of pairs of eyes watching her every moves as she presents concepts of literature or history.

Minich began her college career as one of twelve women accepted to an out-of-state university's acting program. She soon realized her true passion was working with children and, after one year, she moved back to Texas to pursue a degree in English and earn teacher certification.

The newlywed recently shared her thoughts on student teaching, on her experience at UT Dallas and on shaping the future of Texas through teaching.

Did you come to UT Dallas knowing that you wanted to teach?

I was raised in Lewisville, where my mother ran an in-home daycare. As a school-age child, I often dragged out my green chalkboard and asked the children to sit still while I taught them reading, writing and math. They were barely out of diapers and were definitely not the most captive audience!

I was drawn to UT Dallas by my brother-in-law Tim Minich (BS '08, Statistics). The University was generous with scholarships, and I liked the reviews I read about the literature professors.

When I officially decided to pursue teaching, everyone assumed that I would become an elementary school teacher. Like my mom, I have always worked with children. I’ve worked with three-year-olds in daycare and taught gymnastics to children from 18 to 36 months old.

However, I have fallen in love with the college atmosphere and quickly discovered that I wanted to become a college professor. I love the debate and the knowledge that emanate a lively academic discussion. It just seemed natural to gain certification to teach high school students, like a logical precursor to teaching college students.

To this point, who has been the biggest positive influence in your teacher preparation?

Dr. Theresa Towner, professor of arts and humanities, has been an astronomical influence. When I leave her classes, my brain aches. I want to do that. I want to make my students analyze, evaluate and THINK that hard. At that point, I will consider myself successful.

So far, my student teaching experience has been phenomenal. I feel incredibly blessed to have such an intelligent, knowledgeable supervising teacher in Mrs. Powell, and I have received amazing support from my University field supervisor, Patricia Garrison.

I genuinely felt prepared walking into the classroom at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD's Early College High School (ECHS). I thought, ‘I can do this. I know how to do this.’ And it felt great.

My teacher development classes also prepared me for managing and effectively teaching a class. UT Dallas requires student teachers to pass their state exams before allowing them to student teach. Principals really like the confirmation that you know what you are doing before you begin teaching their students. They also love that UT Dallas has been placing their student teachers in classrooms from the day they begin education courses - tutoring, observing and aiding teachers.

Tell me about your most unexpected moment as a student teacher.

Student teaching has been both informative and fun - a real eye-opener!

Once I asked my students how they planned to be successful. I wanted them to describe their dreams: what they want to be occupationally, where they wanted to live and what their future family would look like.

One girl told me she wanted to be a gold digger. She was absolutely serious. Another student told me that a plague would help our overpopulation problem. These are the situations for which nothing can prepare you. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or be horrified.

At times, I am overwhelmed with the responsibility in my hands; I am shaping young lives. I am influencing their choices, decisions and future.

If you were a school supply, what would you be and why?

If I were a school supply, I would be paper clip or staple. They are useful and effective, like I want to be as a teacher.

What words of advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a teacher?

I’m still learning, but I’ve found one piece of advice to be incredibly true. Lynne Weber, one of my teacher education instructors, once told my class, “When it comes to a conflict or power struggle between a teacher and student, you must always lose. If you win, you've lost anyways.” I've kept this in mind while student teaching, and it continually reminds me of the importance of open, ego-free communication.