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 Secondary Education have selected Lindsay Kibben as their Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Science). Congratulations, Lindsay!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Science), Lindsay Kibben:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

I am most proud of my time as a student teacher during my internship at Rocky Run Middle School. 

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

I went on Dr. Zenkov’s Cambridge study abroad trip in Fall 2019. 

What are your plans after graduation?  

I plan to get a job as an 8th grade science teacher in Fairfax County. 

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

By far my favorite memory was the trip to Cambridge and getting to observe the school system in the UK and see the similarities and differences.I took a lot away from that trip that I hope to apply in the future. 

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

Don’t be afraid to participate in your classes and especially in your placements as a student teacher. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience your professors and mentor teachers have, ask them loads of questions, and think about how you can apply it to your teaching in the future.  

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

I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve gotten to meet, and the stories that have inspired me to be the best teacher I can be. 

 

 

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 Secondary Education have selected Kathryn Cole as their Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (English). Congratulations, Kathryn!

From Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (English), Kathryn Cole:

After graduation I plan to work at a high school in southern Virginia. My advice for fellow CEHD students is to always look for ways to be better; better classmates, better teachers, better community members, and better people.   

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 Secondary Education have selected Jessica Hiemstra as their Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Mathematics). Congratulations, Jessica!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Mathematics), Jessica Hiemstra:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

I am most proud of my time as a student-teaching intern. I have been working toward this for so long and the experience was beyond what I imagined it to be. The way I describe it in a nutshell is that, though I have never been more physically exhausted in my life, my heart has never been so full. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I will be teaching mathematics in the fall at a local high school in Loudoun County Public 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 is the people that made up the program. All of my professors were incredibly supportive, my classmates were great to dialogue and collaborate with, and the staff were so helpful with any issues I threw their way.  

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

Get as much hands-on experience as possible. Also, observe and engage with as many professionals as you can that are in your field.  

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

I am just super thankful for my time in the CEHD program. I have learned and grown immensely as an educator and I am excited and ready to tackle what lies ahead in my profession. 

 

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 Secondary Education have selected Jerry Johnson as their Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Social Studies). Congratulations, Jerry!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Secondary Education (Social Studies), Jerry Johnson:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

Finishing. Like others, I had my “what in the heck am I doing?” moments. 

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

I’ve focused on staying active within the college and with my fellow graduate students. As a “career switcher” I’ve been able to provide some career counseling! 

What are your plans after graduation? 

Getting a teaching job! Any leads? 

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

Spending two amazing weeks in Cyprus with GMU students led by Dr. Helmsing. Highly recommended. 

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

Don’t give up. And reach out if you need help. I’m continually amazed by the professors and staff at Mason who are always read to lend a hand. 

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

Folks can find a bit more about me at www.jerrysjuicebar.com or my nifty web page www.jjohnsondc.com. 

Note: All opinions shared on these sites are Jerry’s alone and not endorsed by the College of Edcuation and Human Development or George Mason Univeristy.

 

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 Erin Hobbins as their Outstanding Student in Special Education (Assistive Technology). Congratulations, Erin!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Special Education (Assistive Technology), Erin Hobbins:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

I am just incredibly grateful for being able to attend a fantastic college, work full time and raise a family. I have learned so much that I can carry over into my profession of AT Specialist. 

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

Participated in the online graduate program. 

What are your plans after graduation?  

After graduation, I will continue to serve students as an AT Specialist, to the best of my ability armed with new information learned at George Mason. 

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

I loved working as a group to provide “real life” AT solutions for a religious institution in Virginia. There are some truly amazing professionals in this field! 

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

No matter what stage of life you are in, or what obstacles you come up against, you CAN persevere. Make connections with your professors, ask for help, and never give up! Soak up valuable information that you can use later in your professional career to help others. 

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

I could not have made it to this point without the amazing, caring, passionate professors in the Assistive Technology (EDAT) Department! They are life changers!