A young woman, white with brown hair, wearing a brown wool sweater, smiling at the camera in front of a white background.
Kat Keen

Student Spotlight: Kat Keen, BA ‘26

Kat Keen ’26 is a senior in the Special Education program whose work explores how education is portrayed in popular media and how those portrayals shape public perceptions of schools and teaching. Through her senior honors thesis, advised by Lecturer Jane Piselli and seconded by Professor Kysa Nygreen, Kat is examining the alignment between representations of education in film and media and the ways education is discussed and understood by the public online. Her research aims to identify where these perspectives may differ and how both educational leaders and media creators can work toward more accurate and meaningful portrayals of education.

What Inspired You To Pursue A Career In Education?

Growing up, I always enjoyed school. I was the kind of student who got excited when summer ended and the school year began. When it came time to choose a major, I knew I wanted to work in a school, but I wasn’t sure what role I wanted to play. During a volunteer experience in high school, I worked with students who receive special education services and quickly realized how much I enjoyed that work. That experience inspired me to pursue special education, and it’s something I’ve truly loved studying.

What Is Your Senior Thesis About And What Inspired This Work?

My senior honors thesis examines how education is represented in popular media and how those portrayals align with the public’s perception of education as it appears online. The idea for this project developed during my first semester at UMass when I took Education 167: Education and Film. I really enjoyed analyzing different genres of films and thinking critically about how education is portrayed. After the course, I became curious about how those portrayals compare with people’s real experiences and conversations about education. My research explores whether there is a gap between the two and considers how both media creators and educational leaders might help better align these perspectives.

How Has the College of Education Prepared You for Your Future Career?

Through the small class sizes, close relationships with professors, and the support of dedicated advisors, I have been able to gain a great deal of practical knowledge that I can apply in the field. I appreciate being able to come to the College of Education, be greeted by people I know, and learn from professors with such diverse experiences and perspectives. In the Special Education preparation program, I have been able to form strong relationships with my professors, which led to meaningful practicum placements that provided invaluable experience. As I prepare to graduate in two months, I feel much more confident in my ability to begin teaching in the fall. I am incredibly grateful to the College of Education for everything they have done to support me.