Student Success with Sarah

Transcript

Okay, class is in session with Sarah, a senior Secondary Education major. Rhode Island College was founded as a teacher’s college in 1854, and its Feinstein School of Education and Human Development remains on the cutting edge of teacher preparation nationwide. Let’s hear all about how RIC set students up for success. Sarah, you’re up.

– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. After graduating high school, I attended a large university. I knew being an Education major was the right fit for me, but the school wasn’t, so I made the decision to transfer Rhode Island College, a national leader in teacher education. I was nervous about the shift from a large university to a small college, but I soon found that it was the perfect fit. The smaller class sizes made it easy to connect with my classmates and establish relationships with my professors. RIC also made the transfer process easy. I immediately met with counselors who helped me apply and see what courses to transfer and what my plan of study would be as a Secondary Education and English major. The School of Education here is a real community. Taking classes with the same people each semester helps me stay connected to people who have the same passions as me. Our program focuses on getting us in front of the classroom as early as possible. RIC has connections with schools all over the state, so I’m gaining experience and learning from a variety of teachers. My classroom experiences have opened doors to so many opportunities beyond campus, like working at the YMCA Summer Camp. I also taught sixth graders for two summers through a program called Generation Teach and tutored students through Teach for America and Coaching for Change. I’ve even applied what I’ve learned to coaching youth softball. Being an Education major has strengthened my relationship with my community and gives me opportunities to meet and work with students and teachers from various backgrounds. The education program has prepared me for the jobs I’ve had and will continue to prepare me to teach full-time after graduation this spring. Back to you, Alex.

– Thanks for the lesson, Sarah. We’re confident that you’ll go on to join the legacy of award-winning educators who graduated from RIC. In fact, over the past seven years, five RIC graduates have earned the Milken Educator Award known as the Oscars of Teaching, and maybe you’ll be next, Sarah. Thanks again.