Spotlight: Education Graduates from the Class of 2025

Concentration: Community Education and Social Change

Continuing Education: Harvard University

MS in Human Development & Education

Career Advice: Don't be afraid to take risks while you're here. Go for that internship, apply for that job, volunteer for that lab! Going out of your comfort zone, even if you don't end up getting that position you wanted, is a valuable professional skill in and of itself. I've gotten to be a part of so many wonderful experiences that I would not have been a part of had I not taken the risk to apply for them. I promise you are more qualified than you think, so just go for it!

Concentration: Community Education and Social Change

3rd/4th Grade Math Teacher

Boston Public Schools

Career Advice: It sounds like a cliché, but my advice to undergraduates and those seeking jobs in education is really to be yourself. We want to show students that all of their identities are valuable, so going into interviews, it's important to apply the same principle to ourselves as candidates. Teaching is deeply relational, and school districts are looking for people who can connect with their students. This requires showing districts that you're a reflective and relatable person ready to channel your authentic self into creating an empathetic and responsive classroom community.

Continuing Education: NYU Steinhardt School

MA in Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education: Grades 1-6 (Dual Certification)

Career Advice: My advice to undergraduate students is to be your own strongest advocate. I always say, "If you don’t ask, you don’t get." Don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t feel right—your professors are there to support YOU. Make the most of the resources available to you, whether it's career services, internships, mentorship, or networking opportunities. The more experience you gain, the more confident you'll become in your field and yourself. Take initiative!

1st Grade Inclusive Classroom Teacher

Veterans Early Learning Center Saugus Public Schools

Career Advice: Keep your head on your shoulders and find the joy in the chaos that student teaching can be! Rely on the support of your classmates, professors, and supervisors— we’re lucky here in the College of Ed to be so supported— use it to your advantage.

Intern – Office of Youth Engagement & Advancement 

City of Boston Human Services Cabinet

Career Advice: Never be afraid to expand your interests; reach out to faculty members, organizations, and companies to learn more about yourself and the careers you would like to pursue. Know that change is okay.

Pre K 4 Teacher

Westfield Public Schools

Career Advice: You have the tools to fulfill your dreams in Education! The UMass College of Education does an incredible job preparing you for this moment. Be yourself in your interview! Remember- the school is lucky to have you and you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. It should be a good fit on both ends! You and the school. The right district is out there for you!