Student Voices
EDUC students share their experiences in the College of Education.
Alexis Allen
Major(s): Special Education
I have had several experiences that have helped pave my way for a career in Education. I was the assistant coach for Amherst High School’s Softball team, a mentor to adults with disabilities, and working within numerous schools. One of my favorite courses that I have taken at the College of Education is EDUC 325, Introduction to Special Education. I was unsure what I wanted to do in the field of education, but after that course I knew that I wanted to be a Special Education teacher.
I have loved to immerse myself into the world of Special Ed in various ways. I have worked with so many different people from all walks of life, and all different ages, each person has continued to show me why I am so passionate about a career in education. I have enjoyed engrossing myself in the culture and experiences western Massachusetts has to offer.
Sarah Bosik
Major(s): Community Education and Social Change, Biology
Through the Community Education major, I was able to find two incredible internships that related to my goal of becoming a school psychologist. My first internship was a teaching assistant for a first year seminar in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences where I helped students transition from high school to college and develop my teaching theories and practices. My second internship was through the UMass DDHS program where I provided respite care for children with mental disabilities.
The College of Education has provided me with so many invaluable social and academic resources and an incredible, close-knit community.
Celia Huard
Major(s): Early Childhood Education
I am a student teacher in a kindergarten classroom where I help children with their schoolwork, read them stories, teach them lessons, and play with them. Soon, I will have the chance to take over the classroom and teach lessons on my own. I love the students that I work with and the fact that they look up to me and see me as one of their real teachers is so rewarding. Student teaching has taught me so many activities and strategies that I will use when I am a teacher in my own classroom.
I am so grateful that UMass has given me the opportunity to student teach and take classes like Introduction to Early Childhood, which have given me the tools that I need to be successful in my future career as a teacher.
Kat Keen
Major(s): Community Education and Social Change
My piece of advice to freshmen is to reach out to your peers. Making friends in college can be very difficult, but you social and academic experience improves so much when you make a good group of friends. I met some of my best friends through the Education Club which I joined in my first semester. This club has connected with people who are passionate about education and allowed me to get involved with admissions events and the academic advisors at the College of Education.
My favorite education course that I have taken is EDUC 167, Education and Film. I loved getting to watch movies and discuss interesting topics with my classmates.
Katie Muldoon
Major(s): Special Education
My favorite course that I have taken is EDUC 320, Collaboration. I loved my professor and the engaging culture they curated in the classroom. I learned so much about why collaboration is so important in an educational setting.
One of the best extracurricular activities that I am involved in is Special Olympics. I get to meet up with young athletes ages 2-6 who have disabilities and do Olympic-type activities with them. I am also enrolled in a course called The Boltwood Project where I get to meet up with people with physical or intellectual disabilities in the Amherst area. These opportunities have allowed me to meet some incredible people and learn skills that I will use in my future career as a Special Education professional.
Caroline Pozerski
Major(s): Early Childhood Education, Psychology
In the Spring of my junior year, I had the chance to study abroad in Florence, Italy. I was also able to travel to other parts of Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, and Ireland. Exploring the world opened my eyes to cultural and education diversity which is knowledge that I hope to use in my future classroom. Studying abroad is an experience that I cannot recommend enough!
Although studying abroad as an Education major may seem difficult, if you work closely with your advisors and plan it out, it is absolutely possible. The College of Education has so many opportunities and resources to offer, so make the best of them!
Olivia Temple
Major(s): Community Education and Social Change
My favorite course that I have taken is EDUC 210, Social Diversity in Education with Dr. Coles. This class inspired me to explore social justice and challenge my perspective on the education system. As I am writing my Senior Thesis on system injustice in the school system, I am constantly thinking back to what I learned in this course from Dr. Coles.
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence which was such a meaningful experience. Getting to experience a different culture and style of learning has changed the way I view education both in and outside of the classroom. Since returning to UMass, I have applied this new perspective in courses such as Multicultural Education and Educational Issues in a Real World Context. I am so grateful that I had the chance to expand my worldview through studying abroad.
Blaine Wiley
Major(s): Early Childhood Education
I have really enjoyed getting involved in UMass and the Amherst community in so many different ways. My job on campus allowed me to interact with so many different students and the social aspect made it feel less like work. I also worked on a research project about time management and literacy which allowed me to get involved with UMass professors and UMass and local elementary students.
Getting involved in the community has given me the chance to build meaningful relationships with a wide variety of people and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and environment of Western Massachusetts.
Binying Dai
Major(s): Community Education and Social Change; Communications
This year, I am an intern for EDUC 393B Leadership in Diverse Communities. We have weekly meetings with Dr. Verock to discuss what is happening in class and we gather feedback from students about how class is going for them. This course has helped be learn how to create a bridge between educators and students and taught me how to think like a leader. Dr. Verock is a professor who really cares about her students and she structures her class in a way that benefits her students the most.
As an international student, I am so grateful for this opportunity because it allows me to get teaching experience while still being a full-time student.
Nellie Zygiel
Major(s): Community Education and Social Change, Psychology
UMass is a big school, but I have found my place here through trying new activities such as intramural sports, Education Club, and fitness classes. I also love looking for new study spots around campus – my favorites are The Hub in Furcolo, the 23rd floor of the library, and Isenberg. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when you first get here, but there are so many resources to help you adjust to that change. UMass has counseling sessions for students to talk about anything that is on their minds.
It is important to try new things and put yourself out there to get the most out of your college experience. UMass is a school with countless resources and opportunities, so make sure you take advantage of them.
Hannah Walz
Major(s): Early Childhood Education
The volunteer opportunities both through the College of Education and UMass as a whole have been so fulfilling and informative. I have been able to volunteer for the College of Education during Destination Days and other events such as Come Home to Your College which have helped me make strong connections with faculty and other students.
The Education Club also has so many fun volunteer opportunities like Trunk or Treat and the Amherst Survival Center. I also volunteer a lot at the Newman Center on campus. The College of Education is an amazing place to build relationships with professors, students, and advisors who will help set you up for success.