Author: Brianna Alford

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the School of Kinesiology have selected Erica Allen as the recipient of the Janet J. Lozar Commemorative Award for the Outstanding Student in Athletic Training. Congratulations, Erica!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Athletic Training, Erica Allen:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

 I was very fortunate to have two of my research papers get selected for special opportunities. I presented on one paper at the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association (VATA) Student Symposium and the other paper was selected as Best Case Study in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Student Writing Contest. I am really grateful for the ATEP Faculty’s support with both of those endeavors!  

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason? 

As a graduate student and assigned to busy clinical sites, I wasn’t involved with Mason specific student organizations. I was however, a member of the VATA Student Affairs Committee and it was a really cool experience to meet and work with other Athletic Training students across the state of Virginia.  

What are your plans after graduation? 

 I plan to attend an Athletic Training Residency program and work as an athletic trainer in the orthopedic practice setting.  

 What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student? 

My favorite part of being a CEHD student was getting to work with and learn from all of the amazing preceptors that I had at my clinical sites. I also really enjoyed spending time with my classmates – we had a smaller class, so we really got to know each other and had a lot of fun together!  

 What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)? 

 My advice to CEHD students is to be proactive and really engaged in your education and learning. There are a lot of the different opportunities and experiences that you can have through joining student organizations, working with faculty members, doing internships, etc. This is the time to set the foundation for your future career and there are so many incredible opportunities available to you here at Mason. So my advice is to work hard, learn lots, and have fun while taking advantage of this special time!! 

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the Early Childhood Education program have selected Victoria Huynh as the Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners. Congratulations, Tori!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners, Tori Huynh:

What academic accomplishments are most proud of? 

Teaching is my passion and I am happy that it can be recognized through this award by the CEHD faculty, professors, and by my classmates.  

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason? 

I am a charter sister of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc, involved in the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC,) and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).  

What are your plans after graduation? 

I am currently applying for Grades 1-3 teaching positions in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). I hope to be a first year teacher in FCPS by Fall 2020! 

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student? 

I’ve had so many great memories as a CEHD student! They all revolve around my fellow classmates/future educators. I’ve made so many incredible friends who I know will become intentional teachers.  
Some of my favorite memories took place: 

• In Dr. Steen’s 503 class where we made face masks, played drums, created patterns with stomps, claps, dance moves, and when I made an ASMR Flipgrid when I lost my voice! 
• In Daniel’s 512 class when my table started the snacks potluck, and we did reader’s theatre, and had good class discussions. 
• In Carley’s Science 516 class where we shared lesson plans such as building lava lamps, creating the solar system with toilet paper in the hall, implemented lessons at the GMU CDC, and visited the children’s lab in Fair Oaks Mall.  
• In Samita’s policy class, when my group’s final presentation was the best because it was filled with Bitmojis, which I carried on to use currently in my online distance learning slides for my kindergarten class!
• In my internship placements, where I built connections with my mentor, students, and admin/staff at each school. I LOVE both placements and have been learning so so much! 
• I loved all my classes and my professors because the courses challenged me to learn and try new things and I was able to collaborate and learn from my peers. 

Of all my favorite memories, the ones I remember best are the ones where I was fully engaged in hands-on learning. I truly believe that students retain the most information and truly understand objectives through engagement.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)? 

• Have fun with the program. Get to know your professors, advisors, and other office admin. 
•  Make friends, collaborate, continue to connect with your peers after the class is over because you never know, they could be your fellow teacher friends in the school you teach at!  
• Make your lesson plans count, even if it takes a lot of time, you can use it again in real classroom instruction. 
•  Lastly, If your classes are all 4:30-7:10 or 7:20-10, make sure to bring snacks! Thanks to all my professors for letting me eat in their classes because I do my best learning when I am snacking, so do what’s best for you. I still remember my name tent for Carley’s class, (she asks you to write your name and an adjective to describe you: mine said Tori, Hungry.) Get your basic needs met! 

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 

I am really honored to receive this award. If any FCPS principals are reading my post and amazed at how passionate I am about teaching, please hire me 🙂 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in Special Education have selected Rebecca Pfister as the Outstanding Student in Special Education (Students with Disabilities who Access the Adapted Curriculum). Congratulations, Rebecca!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Special Education (Students with Disabilities who Access the Adapted Curriculum), Rebecca Pfister:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

In 2014, I wrote and published my Master’s thesis on Teenager’s Media Consumption and Perception of Mental Illness. I interviewed teenagers and spent time researching mental health. This provided insight into the mental health and disabilities sector which furthered my interest in special education. Looking back, this allowed me to realize and accept my true calling as an educator and advocate for students with disabilities. As a teacher, I want students and others to learn acceptance and acknowledge that everyone matters regardless of their disability/diagnoses.  

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan on continuing to teach special education and advocating for children and adolescents with disabilities and mental illnesses.  

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student? 

I have enjoyed collaborating with future and current educators both in and outside the classroom. I am constantly learning and gaining perspective on the education system from others that has allowed me to grow both professional and personally.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?  

Be grateful for your classmates, teachers, people supporting/ encouraging you along the way; more importantly, yourself. You are worthy and loved and you have the opportunity to share your knowledge with future leaders. Go to every single class, even if it’s boring, look at it as an opportunity to improve your focus. Take responsibility for your action (i.e. not turning in a paper), because one day you won’t be the student but the teacher. The sooner you accept responsibility the sooner you will stand tall as an educator and can hold your students to the same standards of excellence that I know you can.  

My advice to people currently teaching: 

• It is easy to get caught up in negativity and drama that surrounds education. It is important to focus on the students and not let outside noise interfere in their education.  
• Ask and seek out advice. You are surround by talented educators!  
• If you are not laughing, you are not doing something right. Laughing is the best medicine (and, coffee). It is not an easy job, but if you truly love your job, it will not feel like a job. 

 Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?  

I teach first through fifth grade in Prince William County. I teach students with autism and emotional disabilities in a self-contained classroom. My students range from nonverbal to fully functioning. I teach both the adapted (VAAP) and the general education curriculum. I also have taught a second-grade, third-grade and ninth-grade student with autism placed on homebound and taught SOL remediation after school. I have been able to expand my teaching capabilities and learn to work with a different population of students. In addition, I provide special education training for new and incoming teachers in Prince William County. I currently mentor two teachers and provide them guidance in the following areas: social skills, lesson planning and creating unit plans, data collection, organizing student material, classroom setup, and providing opportunities for observation inside my classroom. I also provide training for Teachers Administrating VAAP. I work on creating lessons, developing material and organizing/developing VAAP binders based on the student’s current academic level. 

I spent my previous career as a marketing and communications strategist for a large corporation before switching careers to a teacher of students with autism in the educational setting. I have my MA in Strategic Communication from American University and my BA in Occupational and Technical Studies (STEM) from Old Dominion University. In addition, I have several certificates in marketing, public relations and eCommerce. I now use my communication skills toward helping children.  

I absolutely love my job and every day is a new adventure. I never feel like I am working. I am excited to continue to learn and grow as a professional.   

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the Early Childhood Education program have selected Latasha Sturgis as the Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education (Special Education). Congratulations, Latasha!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education (Special Education), Latasha Sturgis:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

I am super proud of the confidence I gained in supporting and advocating for children with special needs. I am a better writer and I am able to explain to families how important their role is in their child’s Individualized Education Plan. 

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason? 

As a mom, teacher, and student, most of my responsibilities took place off campus. I connected with my advisor and my professors who supported me in balancing all my responsibilities while maintaining a high GPA. (3.95) 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan to continue my work as a Special Education Teacher for the students of Alexandria. I want to embed new practices that I learned and implement these skills into my daily curriculum. My hopes are to mentor and encourage other paraeducators in the field to help them pursue their education and become teachers.  

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student? 

My favorite memory is the conversations I had with classmates on how to strategize supporting students with challenging needs. It was nice to hear a different perspective and try them at work. I realized that my resources in the field of education were the teachers next door. We were each other’s support system. That bond and connection was priceless. I can also hear my professor’s voice in my head at work sometimes as they would help lead these deep conversations. Thank you Professor LaCroix and Professor Sopko! 

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)? 

I would encourage fellow students to stay connected to their advisor because their guidance really helps you navigate where you are going and helps you track your progress. The professors in this field truly value their students and get really excited when you reach out. You will find yourself checking off all of the boxes until you reach the finish line, which is the most rewarding feeling.  

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 

I was previously a paraeducator and I answered the call to the Grow Your Own Program at my current work location which was promoting paraeducators to pursue a degree in education to become teachers. I am happy that I made the decision and accepted my current position as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. I truly encourage others who are interested in becoming teachers to join me in this work. Building Future Leaders is something that I take to heart.  

 

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the Educational Psychology program have selected Yue Cao as the Outstanding Student in Educational Psychology (Learning, Cognition, and Motivation). Congratulations, Yue!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Educational Psychology (Learning, Cognition, and Motivation), Yue Cao:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

Receiving the Program Award would be my proudest academic accomplishment, because it is the best representation of my hard work and dedication towards my degree. 

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason?  

I have participated in several events held by the OIPS office; specifically, I volunteered for the Fall 2019 international student orientation.  

What are your plans after graduation?  

My plan after graduation is to obtain a teaching certificate for secondary education and start an internship in secondary schools. 

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

My favorite part of being a CEHD student was being able to develop a close relationship with my professors and fellow classmates. They are very supportive of my learning and always ready to help and accommodate my academic needs inside and outside the classroom.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?   

My best advice for fellow CEHD students is that don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors and advisors for any academic and professional development concerns, because they are able to provide great advice and ample resources to help you move to the next level.  

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?  

In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels and watching different genres of documentaries. Apart from being a teacher, my dream job growing up was to become a freelance writer