Get to know UIndy alum and faculty member Kate Reinhardt ‘16, Assistant Professor of Practice & Director of the Clinical Partnership Academy at the College of Education & Behavioral Sciences.
Which courses do you typically teach?
I teach courses focused on multimodal content literacy, working with English-language learning, and explorations in education. I also coordinate student teachers for secondary education.
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
I loved language learning as a high school student and the opportunities it afforded me to travel and study new cultures. I am originally from a small town in rural Indiana, where I wasn’t exposed to a lot of diversity. This field opened up a whole new world for me.
Originally I wasn’t planning on becoming a teacher, but once I tried it, I fell in love with the ability to share my passion for language, culture, travel, and learning with high school students. As I grew in my career, I transitioned to teaching at the university level where I now get to prepare the next generation of teachers to go into K-12 schools and share their love of learning with kids.
What is the best part of being a faculty member at UIndy?
The best part is the people, hands down. I feel so lucky to work with thoughtful, smart, and fun people on a daily basis.
What research or projects are you currently working on?
The driving question behind my research is how do we prepare teachers to support English-language learners (ELs) in the general education classroom. Most of the students I work with don’t pursue a teaching license in working with ELs, but they will all have ELs in their future classrooms at some point in their careers. So what knowledge and skills do they need at a minimum to be prepared? And what are the best educational methods and approaches to achieve this?
What sets your program apart, and how does it prepare students for success in their careers?
Our teacher preparation programs really shine at UIndy. Nearly every course we teach is paired with an experiential learning component. As early as their first course freshman year, UIndy students participate in clinical practicum experiences in schools, testing out the theories they are learning in class with local K-12 students in the surrounding schools and community. By the time they get to their student teaching course senior year, they have had three years of practice and feel comfortable and confident in managing a classroom. Starting them early in K-12 schools also helps them identify early on in their college experience whether teaching is the right career path for them.
What is one accomplishment that you are particularly proud of from your time at UIndy?
For 10 years, I was the advisor of the Student Education Association RSO (recently rebranded as Aspiring Educators). During this time, I was able to get to know many students outside of our classroom community and help them develop their leadership skills in the field. Our chapter and members won several awards, both at the campus and state level. Members also took on leadership roles at the state level, including one elementary education student who was elected State President for Indiana. We started traditions on campus like the School of Education Launch party. It was a really great experience for me and I still keep in touch with many graduates who were part of the RSO.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a career in teaching?
Right now, K-12 teaching is being portrayed in a negative light in the media. Yes, it is a hard job, but it is never boring! Every day brings new adventures and no two days are the same. It is a wonderful feeling to inspire a student and to be part of their journey and growth into becoming the best version of themselves.
What’s a hobby or interest you have that might surprise your students?
I love to bake pies with my sister. Many Sundays we get together and try a new pie recipe.
If you weren’t in academia, what career would you choose and why?
I would have a food truck that sells pies called Pie Sunday.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve traveled to, and what did you learn from the experience?
Lima, Peru. I studied abroad there my sophomore year of college and through the experience I learned that I was capable of doing so many things on my own as a young adult. Being on your own in a different culture and language challenges you in so many ways. There were many hard days and confusing experiences, but it was an amazing adventure and time of personal growth.
