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 Elementary Education have chosen
Michaela Martin
as the
2021 Outstanding Student in Elementary Education – Semester Long Internship
Q & A with Outstanding Student in Elementary Education – Semester Long Internship, Michaela Martin:
What part of your Mason experience are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how I have grown in confidence in my academic ability and self-worth. This is thanks to my many professors that have pushed me to believe in myself and do my best work. I have found it is much easier to thrive academically when you are excited about the content you are learning. Thank goodness I went through with this career switch!
What are your future plans, goals, and dreams?
I plan to start my first year as an elementary teacher in the 2021-2022 school year.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the College of Education and Human Development?
My favorite memory in CEHD is getting to know my amazing cohort. Every single one of them is going to make a huge impact on many elementary students. I could not have gotten through the program so smoothly without their 24/7 support. Special shout out to my carpool group for making commuting to class the past two years something to always look forward to.
What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students?
Keep surviving! It has been a tough and unusual year for us all, but if we made it through this, we are prepared for anything that is thrown at us. Future CEHD students, buy rather than rent all the books for your classes (you will reference them in the future). Also, save copies of all the resources professors give you and all the work you complete. The more resources and work samples you have, the easier it will be to transition into your first year of teaching.
Would you like to give any shout-outs to those who supported you along the way?
Shout out to Dr. Parker for always answering my emails within five seconds and being extremely motivational and kind.
Shout out to Dr. Gilbert for putting up with my endless struggles with open-ended assignments and helping me grow as a person.
Shout out to my mentor teacher, Mrs. Jildeh, for trusting me to long-term sub for her twice and being there for me every step of the way. I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to learn from you.
Shout out to my cohort, our GroupMe will live on forever.
Shout out to my family and fiancé for being a rock of a support system.