A summer program was initiated at the Becky Gates Children’s Center during Covid to provide care for school age children. There has been a continued interest from students, faculty and staff so we have continued to offer this program. This summer we have an amazing group of school age teachers. Leading the school age program are Kasey Wilson and Cynthia Kit. We also have three new teaching assistants: Mattie, Cenia and Brecken. They have planned endless fun activities and lessons to fill their summer days.

Kasey is a senior Special Education major from Dallas, Texas. His favorite thing about being an Aggie is the traditions and aggie network that is supported by the community. Kasey has worked as a teaching assistant at the Becky Gates Children’s Center since February 2022. He enjoys working at BGCC because of the trust he is given to complete his job. He also has the opportunity to work how he chooses with support from all the administrators behind him. After graduation, his plans are to teach resource special education in high school. When asked how his experiences at BGCC have helped him prepare for his future, Kasey shared, “Teaching here has allowed me to understand what methods work and don’t work for students. I have also learned how to work with other teachers in a professional manner.”

Cynthia is a senior Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences major from Mesquite, Texas. Her favorite thing about being an Aggie is everything! Whoop! Cynthia has worked as a teaching assistant at the Becky Gates Children’s Center since June 2022. She enjoys working at BGCC because of the kids and the way they brighten her day! After graduation, her plans are to attend graduate school at Texas A&M and pursue a master’s degree in psychology. When asked how her experiences at BGCC have helped her prepare for her future, Cynthia shared, “Teaching at the Becky Gates Children’s Center has immersed me in youth and shown me how much of a passion I have for working with children. The teachers have taught me more than I could have imagined.”

Mattie is a senior Education major from San Antonio, Texas. She will graduate with a certification to teach early childhood through age six. Her favorite thing about being an Aggie is the traditions and the atmosphere! Mattie is excited about working at BGCC because of the sense of community, support system and trust she has received beginning as a teaching assistant. After graduation, her plans are to get a job as a second through fourth grade teacher. When asked how she feels her work at BGCC this summer will help her as a teacher, Mattie shared, “Working at BGCC will provide me with experience working with kids and exploring lesson plans.”

Cenia is a senior Elementary Education major from San Antonio, Texas. Her favorite thing about being an Aggie is the football games! Cenia is excited to work at BGCC because of the ability to think creatively and plan activities to allow more creativity for students. Cenia plans to begin a curricular and instruction master’s program this fall that she will graduate from in 2025. She then plans to pursue a teaching career. When asked how she feels her work at BGCC this summer will help her as a teacher, Cenia shared, “Working at the Becky Gates Children’s Center has allowed me to explore and help with lesson plans!”

Brecken is a junior education major from Goldthwaite, Texas. He will graduate with a certification to teach 4th-8th grade mathematics and science. Brecken is excited to work at BGCC because everyone is welcoming and nice! After graduation his plans are to become a teacher and a coach. When asked how he feels his work at BGCC this summer will help him as a teacher, Brecken shared, “Being at BGCC will give me great experience and references!”

We are looking forward the summer and cannot wait to see everything that is achieved this year by our school age teachers, teaching assistants and students!