Senior Shahana Dutt affirmed her interest in teaching through classroom experience and and equity-driven courses in the DirecTrack to Teaching program (DTT).

What drove you to enroll in the DirecTrack to Teaching program?

I heard from a former DTT student that it was a great way to get experience in classrooms in Minneapolis, as well as to connect to a network of other aspiring teachers at the University of Minnesota. 

What’s been your favorite course so far?

My favorite course has been CI 3902 (Exploring Teaching), because it gave me a unique service-learning experience at South High Sschool as an AVID tutor. I got to spend every Tuesday with a group of juniors and seniors, and I often helped them in Physics, Statistics, and Chemistry. This was such an affirming experience that a future in education was the right choice for me.

What has been your experience with the faculty?

I have had an outstanding experience with Jehanne [Beaton, the DirecTrack to Teaching program coordinator]! She clearly cares about each of her students and has even reached out to me individually with learning opportunities that are specific to my interests as a future educator. Her class was the highlight of my week, as she placed a lot of importance on community in the classroom. 

What strengths do you think you will bring to the classroom?

My major, along with the DTT program, has allowed me to expand beyond STEM courses and explore complex topics such as histories of systems of oppression, and how gender, class, and race intersect in a child’s learning experience. I feel equipped to lead uncomfortable, but crucial conversations about systemic oppression and the deep history of injustice that exists in our country. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to be a few years into my career as a science teacher in a high-school setting.

Any other thoughts you want to share about your experience?

If you are even remotely interested in a career in teaching, I highly, highly recommend exploring the Directrack to Teaching program at the U. The people who are part of this program are diverse, passionate, and extremely supportive of whatever path you take after graduating. The program is a great way to explore teaching with very low commitment to see if it is the right fit for you.

Learn more about the DirecTrack to Teaching program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.