Student Assistant/ Worker for the Dean's Office 

Elementary/ English Education

I am currently a freshman here at Emporia State University, engaged in academic and extracurricular groups, including the Honors College. As part of the Honors College program, students are required to complete a minimum of four contract courses in order to graduate with honors. A contract course involves enhancing an existing class by collaborating with the professor, completing additional projects or assignments, and taking the course to a more advanced level. This semester, I am enrolled in Survey of Exceptionality with Professor Melissa Gerleman, which I have chosen as my contract course. I am also a Student Worker in the Dean's Office at The Teachers College. Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of assisting Stephanie Taylor with various tasks related to the Kansas Master Teacher program. This experience included writing biographies for the awardees and attending a celebration at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. As part of my contract course, Mrs. Gerleman suggested a project that involved interviewing the Kansas Master Teachers. During these interviews, I included topics we have been studying in class, such as differentiation and special education law. This opportunity allowed me to get a better understanding about education from highly qualified teachers. The interview highlighted how teaching is different for every educator. The podcast interview was a valuable experience, and I am so thankful that I got to be the Co-host.