Student Aides

Fun Fact: I can touch my tongue to my nose!

Why do you want to be a teacher?  When I was in school, I had the best of both worlds. I had a music teacher who inspired me to be the best musician I was capable of being, but I also, unfortunately, had a teacher who pushed me down (which ended up inspiring me more). From both of those teachers, I learn how important it is to foster an environment for a love of learning and growing what you’re passionate about. I want to make sure as many students as possible feel that love and encouragement.

What do you like about the COE? My favorite part about the COE is hands down the relationship I have with my professors. They treat you like real human beings and they all want the best for you. They listen when you are down and lift you up to be the best you can. They are your biggest cheerleaders and I am grateful for my relationships with the COE professors

History Major

Secondary Education

Fun Fact:  I love to play video games!

Why do you want to be a teacher? I really like to learn and study, plus I love History! I appreciate the opportunity to share my love of learning with other people.

What do you like about COE?  The people and the new building. Everyone at the COE is willing to help you in any way they can. Even professors I have never had a class with will ask me how I am doing. Now that we have a new building, COE students finally have a place to call home! Our classrooms are set up with teaching in mind and we have so many places available for students to gather and work .

Elementary Education Major with SPED Endorsement

Fun Fact: I enjoy playing golf and the piano when I am not spending my time with my friends or dog.

Why do you want to be a teacher? Growing up I had so many amazing teachers. When I went into high school, I began volunteering in classrooms, and I quickly discovered that I wanted to be a teacher. After working in many different environments ranging from Special Education in summer school to teaching American Sign Language in an Early Childhood Special Education classroom, I have always enjoyed the moments with the children. As a teacher, I want to be able to build the safe classroom that I have been so lucky to have as a child for my future students.

What do you like about COE? There is so much I like about the college of education, but what I like the most is the faculty and experience we get in the classroom. The professors’ experience, passion, and excitement about education makes me feel so confident about my future. I also feel that I am prepared for my own classroom because of the amount of time that we spend in the classroom through practicums and student teaching. All in all, I love that there are so many opportunities and the faculty will support you in your decisions.

Elementary Education & English Major

Fun Fact: I am the oldest of four and have a large extended family that I am very close with.  My mom’s side of the family tries to have a reunion every year and there are over a 100 people.

Why do you want to be a teacher? My reason for wanting to become a teacher is that I have always enjoyed working with kids and I like finding new ways to explain things that help people understand what they are learning. Sometime in High school, I realized that a teacher does both of those things, and ever since I wanted to be a teacher. With every class I take at UMW I fall more in love with teaching and learn more reasons for needing good teachers. Life can throw so many challenges at everyone, and teachers are a large influence on how kids handle those challenges. I want to be the kind of teacher that can help in any situation, and I think UMW has an excellent program to help future teachers.

What do you like about COE? What I like about the COE is that it is focused on diversity and creating teachers for everyone, not just the average student but those who are gifted, those who are behind, those with a disability, those with problems that can get in the way of learning, and anyone in between. The world is made of so many different people and experiences and the COE acknowledges that by preparing future teachers for as many situations as possible, but overall, how to continue learning and be open-minded. There is only so much that can be taught in four years but teaching someone how to continue their learning assures the best teachers out there that will stay up to date with what works. UMW and the COE are a great program that I am thrilled to be a part of!