certification, second-grade students are now participating in a learning opportunity that helps the greater community. “We know that service learning and community service help build empathy and connection to their community, their peers, and real life connection to academic work,” Dilkes says. “But to do service learning the right way is very timeconsuming. So when Lauren came to me about her certification internship project, she wanted to do service learning. It just fits in with everything she believes in.” With food insecurity on the rise in the community, this was chosen as a topic to explore, starting with classroom experiences such as stories that help them to understand the issue. Then, a partnership with Sparta Food Pantry made it possible for them to get involved firsthand. “The kids decided on a food drive. They created posters. They helped collect the food, helped count it, sort it,” Dilkes details.“They carried the food with them onto the bus and carried it into the food pantry. A future-focused Master’s designed to nurture both your personal and professional growth. Gain evidence-based Human Intelligence skills to unlock your and your students’ full potential. Finish your degree in as little as 12 months and increase your earning potential for the rest of your life. ADVANCE YOUR CAREER & YOUR LIFE Learn to Thrive with a M.S.Ed. in Transformative Teaching & Learning EXPLORE THE PROGRAM 268 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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