Student teaching doesn't have to be a chore. This semester, six Ball State University students will engage in an alternative teaching experience at Cornerstone Center for the Arts.
Three Ball State University students have already begun teaching classes this semester, including sophomore Evan Walters, who teaches Youth Art. She said she enjoys the experience because it gives her the opportunity to work with local children.
"It's a learning experience both ways," she said. "It's really rewarding to see how kids interpret things."
Freshman Kristen Kinman, who taught her first Beginning Creative Movement class Monday, said her students, all of whom are three years old, were very energetic.
Though many Ball State students are involved in the organization, anyone can apply to teach at Cornerstone. Robby Tompkins, Cornerstone director of education, said he prefers experienced upperclassmen, but doesn't require any specific education.
"I consider a lot of things in the application process," he said. "It just so happens that a lot of applicants are students."
Kinman said she heard about the opportunity at a university volunteer fair, though she is now a paid employee.
Cornerstone, which started in 1999, recruits heavily at Ball State, but even non-students can apply. Dave Segedy, 2006 Burris Laboratory School graduate, gives private lessons to aspiring drummers.
Cornerstone treats student teachers just as it treats teachers who are members of the community and Ball State faculty, Tompkins said.
"I'm very pleased with the student teachers we have here," Tompkins said. "I feel like they have a good commitment to the program and institution."
Ball State undergraduate students who teach at Cornerstone earn about $18 per hour, while more experienced professors and community members can earn up to $25, he said.
Walters said she would encourage Ball State students interested in a particular field of art to apply to teach at Cornerstone.
"Anyone who feels passionate enough about something to teach it should go for it," she said.
Some people may not feel comfortable teaching children, she said, but they can learn.
"If you're working with kids, it's important that you're kind of a 'people person,'" she said. "You have to be able to get kids' attention and make sure they understand."
Potential teachers also have the option of teaching older students, she said.
Segedy said though most of his students were young, he taught older people as well, including one 40-year-old.
Teachers at Cornerstone instruct in a wide range of areas, including art, writing, martial arts, dance and voice. Tompkins said that after applicants are hired, they can submit proposals for classes they would like to teach. If a class attracts at least seven students, he said, he puts it on the curriculum.
Ball State students are also welcome to volunteer at Cornerstone. Some volunteers work in classrooms alongside teachers.
"Volunteers don't just sit on the sidelines," Grice said. "They are part of the class."
Most volunteers at Cornerstone are Ball State students, she said, because they are consistently reliable. About 25 Ball State students volunteered to work at Cornerstone this semester, and more applicants are always welcome, she said. Volunteer positions can lead to paid positions, she said.
"It's a great way to get your foot in the door," she said.
Some of the most popular classes are youth dance, martial arts and private and group piano, Director of Administration Lori Grice said. Among new classes, she said salsa dancing received a high level of interest this semester. Students at Cornerstone fill out satisfaction surveys at the end of each semester on which they can request new classes, she said.
Cornerstone accepts applications from students and community members throughout the year. Classes at Cornerstone meet for one hour once a week. Tompkins said interested students can contact him by phone at (765) 281-9503, Ext. 23 or by e-mail at rtompkins@cornerstonearts.org.
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