Wichita State fine arts senior Samantha Bunce is one step closer to becoming a full-time art educator. In fall 2025, she began student teaching at Wichita Brooks Middle School. Under the guidance of art educator Lauren Gilmore, Bunce crafted a creative learning environment for students at this STEM and arts magnet middle school.
That fall semester, throughout the school week, Bunce spent an hour a day learning how to be a successful teacher. In the classroom, she assisted Gilmore with art projects, preparation, organization and classroom management. Bunce stepped into her role by planning, teaching and grading her own lessons as a student-teacher.
“I've learned to expect the unexpected, and to plan, plan, plan,” Bunce said. “To have backup plans for your backup plans, be prepared for change, be flexible and not to stress too much over little things that can't be controlled.”
Student teaching is often unpaid and a requirement for all future educators. However, Bunce’s student teaching was paid through Wichita State’s Applied Learning Fund, which enables Shockers to get career-related work experience with pay.
“The Applied Learning Fund helped me alleviate my financial costs,” Bunce said. “The opportunity of working and learning in the classroom as an educator doesn't harm my financial responsibilities.”
This Applied Learning Experience also gave Bunce realistic professional expectations. While teaching, Bunce would face challenges in classroom management with students’ behaviors. However, with guidance from Gilmore, Bunce learned a vital skill for teachers alike - leadership.
“After weeks of repetitive reinforcement of expected norms and creative problem solving, students have settled into a rhythm where they all enjoy working and are excited to learn,” Bunce said.
With patience and practice, Bunce makes another stride in her career journey.
“I feel more confident about my classroom management skills and my ability to communicate with students on their level,” Bunce said.
Her fall Applied Learning Experience prepared her for this semester’s full-time commitment. Bunce is currently a full-time student teacher at another art-focused magnet school, Northeast Magnet High School. At Northeast, she’ll is mentored by art educator Jennifer Larsen. These combined experiences prepare Bunce for her own classroom after graduation this May 2026.
“This has only made me love teaching even more, and I'm looking forward to spending my life and career in education,” Bunce said.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.
Courtesy Photo