Grace Gallup, '23
Why did you decide to do an education degree?
I chose an education degree as I wanted to become an elementary school teacher.
Why did you choose Navarro College Education/Teaching over other programs?
I chose the Navarro College Education/Teaching program as I felt it was the best way to be one step closer to achieving my career goal, which is to be an elementary school teacher. I chose to pursue this career as I was inspired by my previous teachers, as they had always supported me and pushed me to be not only a better student, but also a better person. The teachers I have worked with throughout my life, both past and present, have supported me and made a difference in my life. Therefore, I desire to work with children and make a difference in their lives as my teachers have for me and so many others.
What advice would you give to others looking at Navarro College programs?
I advise that students who enter programs be prepared to meet any challenges. The best way to meet those challenges is to take care of them one at a time as you go, think critically, and most of all, ask yourself if what career path you’re taking is what you truly want. Ask yourself if you want it enough to deal with all the challenges and burdens that come with it. If you can say “yes” to both of those questions, then you know you are in the right place. Most of all, if you do want the career path you choose, but you have doubts, remember why you want it. Sometimes going in the field can be the best way to do this and answer these questions. This is certainly the case with the Teaching Program as you will have to do observations, which is observing classes and teachers in grade schools.
Describe your experience in the program.
I feel that it was a great experience overall in the program. I learned the pros and cons of being a teacher, as well as helpful tips on how to be a successful teacher. I also loved learning from Professor Das, as she not only contributed to educating us about being a teacher, but she also made her classes exciting and engaging with her enthusiasm as well as her kindness and care for me and my fellow classmates.
What was your favorite class and why?
I loved all of my classes, and therefore, I do not have a favorite class.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I loved and enjoyed working with all of my professors, and therefore I do not have a favorite professor.
What was your biggest a-ha moment in the program?
I would say that my biggest a-ha moment was realizing the weight of the responsibility that teachers have to their students. They must do everything in their power to ensure that their students succeed, much like my teachers have before me. To ensure this, I believe that a teacher should never give up on helping their students and should always help them.
What were the advantages to pursuing your degree?
By pursuing education, I was able to learn and have an idea on what it is like to be a teacher, I was able to learn the pros and cons of the teaching field, and I learned how teachers help their students, which made me appreciate and admire teachers more than I already had before. I was also able to pursue this career by not having to leave my home in Blooming Grove since I could learn everything I needed at Navarro College.
How did you juggle school, work, family, etc.? Any advice?
I advise overseeing your assignments, judge which one has the earliest due date, and generally complete the assignments based on that order. If you work on your assignments that way, you will make good grades and do well. Always remember to keep calm and do not overstress yourself. If you remain on top of your assignments, you will do fine, and you will not need to stress.
What advice would you give to a prospect/new student on how to make the most of the Navarro College Education/Teaching program experience?
The best advice I would give would be to listen to the advice your professors and mentor teachers give you, be professional, and do not be afraid for asking for help. If there is something you do not understand or if you need advice, do not hesitate to ask. You will be able to succeed much better when you better understand what you are doing and how to do it.
What are your career goals/plans?
Once I graduate from Texas A&M Commerce, I will be taking the Teacher Certification Exam and then I will begin my career as a teacher. I intend to do my best as a teacher and ensure that I am an asset to my school as well as a source of support and aid to my students.
How is your degree going to help you with the next steps in your career?
Due to my program experience, I have better experience to understand and meet the expectations of my professors at Texas A&M Commerce. Furthermore, I have been able to take less classes at Commerce due to taking most of my Teaching classes at Navarro College. I am also prepared due to this college as I now know what exams I need to take for my career path. Furthermore, I also have been given excellent advice on teaching and class-management strategies to help my students learn when I one day become a teacher myself.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your Navarro College Education/Teaching program experience?
Always remember to be professional, keep calm, and do your best as a student and a future teacher. Do not be afraid to ask for advice or help and take to heart what ideas or pieces of advice that the professors provide you for being a teacher. You will need this to not only do well as a student, but also as a teacher when the time comes.
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