Shawn Castillon and Bonnie Sagana, students of Northern Marianas College’s education program, recently joined the long list of NMC students who passed the Praxis II exam. Praxis II assesses an educator’s knowledge in a specific subject area or grade level that they will be teaching.
“We are proud of Shawn and Bonnie and the other NMC students who have been able to pass Praxis II,” NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, said.
Students enrolled in NMC’s education program are required to pass Praxis II before completing the program. Education majors with a focus in Early Childhood Education must pass the Praxis II Education of Young Children exam, while those with a focus in Rehabilitation & Human Services must pass the Praxis II Professional School Counselor exam.
In addition, education majors with a concentration in Special Education must pass the Praxis II Special Education: CK and Applications exam, and students with a concentration in Elementary Education must pass the Elementary Education Content Knowledge exam.
“Passing the Praxis is an amazing accomplishment, and I have no doubt that Shawn and Bonnie will become excellent educators,” NMC School of Education director Roland Merar said.
Castillon, an Elementary Education major, said he “hopes to make an impact on the next generation of young adults in our society.”
He said the practice tests provided by the Educational Testing Service helped him prepare for the exam. He hopes to teach at an elementary or middle school after graduating.
Sagana, who is an Elementary Education major, said he wants to become an educator so that he can help guide students and bring out the best in themselves.
“Life can be confusing and often people just need a little guidance; it may not seem much but it goes a long way,” Sagana said in reference to being an educator.
He said it was NMC that was key in his success with the Praxis II exam.
“NMC has taught me the grit and perseverance needed to reach my goals,” Sagana said. “The College’s School of Education has helped me learn the ideal traits and concepts required to be a teacher that can impact the lives of our students.”
After graduation, Sagana said he would like to gain more teaching experience and work towards a master’s degree.
For more information on NMC’s education program, visit www.marianas.edu.
Shawn Castillon
Bonnie Sagana