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.
The College of Education and Human Development faculty in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning have chosen
Mandee Madden
as the
2021 Outstanding Student in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning
Q & A with Outstanding Student in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning, Mandee Madden:
What part of your Mason experience are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my growth as a student and a teacher. I graduated from college over a decade ago, and I was very anxious about my ability to keep up with the workload, understand the material at the Graduate level, and balance school work with program work. I gained confidence in my ability to read, synthesize, and analyze research. I am also proud of the time I took to analyze my own teaching, biases, and the educational structure of schools. I hope this work will transfer to my role in the classroom and in my school.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the College of Education and Human Development?
I have two favorites. One would be all of the conversations and group chats about projects, due dates, and classes with my two favorite graduate school guys Brennan and Dylan. Also, I will never forget the feeling of turning in big projects for classes after so much hard work and getting postive feedback.
What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students?
Top Five:
- Read the Syllabus and make note of BIG projects
- Time management is KEY.
- Take advantage of “work weeks” and work ahead when your schedule allows.
- Get to know your peers they are an awesome resource.
- The professors are great. They want to get to know you and help, and even if you ask 1 million questions like I did they are patient and supportive.
Would you like to give any shout-outs to those who supported you along the way?
To my Wife: This would have been impossible without you! Thank you for being a constant source of patience and calmness in the midst of chaos these past two years. Love you!
To my Nannie: Thank you for being my number one fan through this program.
To my Dad: Thanks for setting the bar high. Only one more master’s needed to keep up with you.
To my Twin: Thank you for being my bestest friend and a constant encouragement.
To Brennan and Dylan: PE Dream Team. Thank you both for the constant reminders of due dates, memes during long work hours, and listening ears as we worked through classes.
To my Professors: Thank you for answering all of my questions and being patient. Also, thank you for challenging me with every class and project.
To Alli: Thank you for always celebrating with me (even if it was only over one point).