As I write on behalf of the senior education majors, I have to imagine that God is getting a laugh out of it. Not because I don’t love the School of Education, or because I don’t love teaching, but because when I left for college four years ago, I was adamant I would never become a teacher. Despite the fact that the majority of people in my life who have inspired and impacted me the most are educators, I was certain that I did not have the confidence or the passion to do what they do. I was wrong, and the professors in the School of Education here at Trevecca saw potential in me (much earlier than I ever did myself).
It was on my very first Zoom call with Dr. Tandy Taylor when she told me she believed in me. And I knew she did, because it was that day, already four days into the semester, that she helped me to entirely rework my schedule because I had decided to change my major to elementary education.
It was in my second semester of education courses when I first had a class with Dr. Statom, the most engaging professor I have ever had, and learning in her classroom is always exciting. It was that very first class with her that I was introduced to another side of becoming a teacher that broke my heart– to know that many children endure hard things outside of the classroom that we have no control over. My peers and I are inspired by the men and women in this department who helped change the lives of so many children for the better.
It was in a class with Dr. Walker that my disdain for math evaporated. I can say confidently today that I love learning and teaching math, so much so that I have gone from taking remedial math classes with extra tutoring in sixth grade to accepting a job as a sixth grade math teacher next year. Dr. Walker showed me that there may be one right answer in math, but no child will get to that answer exactly the same way.
Dr. Conditt showed me how learning can be full of adventure, providing me with opportunities to visit places like the Tennessee State Museum and public libraries all over Nashville. She has taught me the importance of preparation and lesson planning, which has helped me to develop the organizational skills I will use in my classroom.
Dr. Harris has been my greatest example of what it looks like to be a professional in the world of education and how to handle the most difficult situations with grace. In her classes, I have learned the importance of building a relationship with my students, not just from reading a textbook, but by witnessing the way she considers and listens to each one of her students. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the School of Education is providing the best opportunities possible for each of us.
Dr. Burnham’s expertise in exceptional education has helped me see the potential in all children, even if that looks different from the average student. He did it all while offering sage life advice that we will carry with us for years to come, and I’m not sure anyone has left a single one of his classes without laughing.
“It’s all about the kiddos” is a motto that several of our professors repeat amongst us and one another, and it definitely rings true. Each professor in this department not only cares for your academic excellence, but who you are as a person. They've been there every step of the way to share their wealth of knowledge about the art and science of teaching. Under their mentorship, I've acquired a myriad of teaching skills that have equipped me to excel in the classroom. I have the deepest gratitude for each one of my professors in the School of Education, and as I embark into this new chapter of my life, I will carry forward all the lessons I have learned to continue to inspire and uplift those around me.