Graduation is just around the corner for Elementary English and Spanish major Sharon Stagaman. Since watching her father become an educator in her childhood, Sharon knew she wanted to follow in his footsteps one day. But carving your own path is no small task, and Sharon credits finding her niche in the education field to the diverse learning experiences at the College of Education. "I feel really prepared to graduate with experiences at different types of schools across grade levels, and I feel so lucky that these experiences started junior year to help me solidify that teaching is what I want to do."
A little bit about Sharon:
Q: Where is home for you?
A: Downers Grove, Illinois.
Q: What is your year and major?
A: I'm a senior double majoring in Elementary Education and Spanish.
Q: What do you enjoy about the campus experience, so far?
A: I have loved getting to meet people through my RSO involvement and my courses with similar interests!
Q: How did you know you wanted to go into the field of education?
A: I've been set on becoming a teacher since I was 11 years old, growing up surrounded by teachers in my neighborhood and watching my dad become a teacher. I have always felt like I'm meant to help children become the best versions of themselves and knew that education was the field for me.
Q: What do you enjoy about the College of Education?
A: I love the field experiences we get at different grade levels! I feel really prepared to graduate with experiences at different types of schools across grade levels, and I feel so lucky that these experiences started junior year to help me solidify that teaching is what I want to do.
Q: Do you have a favorite professor or course? Why?
A: My favorite professor is Dr. Ali Lewis. She is one of the kindest, most inspiring people I have every met and she made CI 448 and 452 engaging for my cohort and myself. I learned so much from her in class, from her own experiences as a school principal, and simply learning how to be the best teacher I can be for my students. Thank you Dr. Lewis!
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I have dyed my hair pink, blue, and purple!
Q: Tell us about your future career plans after graduating and why you want to pursue that field.
A: I plan on getting a job as a third grade teacher in a general education classroom. Third grade is my favorite age to work with and through all of my classroom experiences, I think I've had the most success with third graders. I'm currently student teaching in a third grade classroom and my students remind me every day why I decided to become a teacher. I feel so lucky to work with them.
We feature Education students in our weekly Student Spotlight to build community within the College, and we’d love to highlight YOU. Please complete this quick survey if you've not yet been featured. First-year students click here, and sophomores, juniors, and seniors click here.
