Education Studies Integrative Concentration

I decided to take the Education Studies Concentration at Oberlin because I am endlessly fascinated by developing minds and I love learning about learning! It amazes me how the human mind works to build itself through observations of the world around it. I get so much joy from the simple act of bearing witness to my students' exploration and learning. Initially, I had planned to add the concentration to my studies for the sake of expanding my knowledge on developmental and educational psychology in preparation for a career in psychology research and stats. As I fulfilled more of the concentration's requirements, however, it became clear that teaching early childhood education was my calling.

One of my favorite parts of the Education Studies Concentration has been getting to watch the concepts and theories I've learned in class play out in real-time in my classrooms. I am so grateful that I was able to take so many developmental psychology courses at Oberlin, as they have significantly impacted my perspectives and practices as a teacher. By showing me the vast differences in childrearing practices, regulations, and expectations around the world, Development in a Cultural Context with Dr. Nancy Darling shifted my perspectives of parenting and learning and, in doing so, made me a more open minded and compassionate teacher. Throughout Advanced Methods in Developmental Psychology, I found myself incorporating what we were learning about the development of peer interactions, relationships, and groups into my teaching approaches almost every day. I believe taking this course refined my teaching eyesight. I am now able to see dynamics among my students that weren't on my radar before, independently analyzing how they may impact academic and social success long term. I am also incredibly grateful to Dr. Daphne John's Unequal Educations course, for bringing the structural imbalances and systemic issues within the American Education System to my attention. Had I not taken this course, I would be much less prepared to meet my students' diverse educational needs and to serve as their loyal advocate.

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I believe my main strengths as a teacher are compassion, encouragement, vigilance, and patience. I love each and every one of my students and my biggest priority is setting them up for success in the transition out of my classroom. I am a firm believer that, in a rapidly changing world, children need strong educational and social foundations to prepare them for a successful schooling journey, and ultimately, a healthy independent adult life. For these foundations to stick, kids need to believe in themselves. One of my favorite things to say to my students is "good job." You can see the difference in a young child's attitude, focus, and self-talk so quickly when they know that a trusted adult believes in them and wants to help them succeed.​