Elementary Education Major

Kaitlyn is pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education with cross-certification in special education at Central Connecticut State University. “My experience at Eastern was wonderful. The classes I took helped me to better understand the special education field and how to incorporate research into my love for teaching.”

Eugene received a grant to develop a documentary about the migrant labor that drove Connecticut’s tobacco industry. “As someone with a Caribbean background, I think it’s vital to understand the impact that Caribbean people have made to Connecticut… Contributing to this documentary is a way to thank my ancestors for all the hard work they’ve put in the past to ensure I had a better future.”

Lauren studied abroad in London, England, while a student at Eastern. She noted that besides meeting other American students at the University of Roehampton, she also encountered many students from Australia who were studying abroad as well. “It was a great opportunity to be able to learn about Australian culture while also learning about the British culture and of course making global friendships!”

Elaine received one of the nation’s most prestigious education awards, the Milken Educator Award in 2023. She teaches fourth grade at the Academic Academy for gifted students at Michael F. Wallace Middle School in Waterbury. “I approach teaching elementary school with the belief that all students must be supported, believed in, respected and held to the highest standards in order for them to reach their full potential.”

Eugene will be attending Columbia University’s Master of Social Work program. “My honors thesis at Eastern presented me with numerous academic challenges that ultimately strengthened my skills and resilience. From formulating a research question to conducting an extensive historiography supported my intellectual engagement and problem-solving. After completing his master’s degree, Eugene hopes to work for the Department of Veteran Affairs and pursue a law degree.

“Over the course of Eastern’s teacher program, my professors helped shape, cultivate and advocate for their students in the classroom. Through projects and study sessions, I was able to talk about relevant topics in the classroom while being able to collaborate with fellow student-teachers and address current issues. This program has prepared me in more ways than I ever thought were possible.”

Brenna earned her M.S. in education at Eastern and is an education support technician with the Connecticut State Department of Education. “Education classes at Eastern were both rigorous and fascinating. What I experienced inspires me to pass my enthusiasm for learning onto all my students.”

Elementary Education and Visual Arts double-major Lauren Wells is a special education tutor at Nichols Elementary School in Stratford. “I had a number of hands-on, clinical experiences as an Eastern student, which helped me decide if elementary education is right for me.”

Elementary Education and Liberal Studies double-major Nina Zimmitti is a first-grade teacher at Shepard Hill Elementary School in Plainfield. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Getting my degree at Eastern prepared me for the field and helped me become confident in what I am teaching.”

Katelyn Root ’20 (liberal studies/elementary education) is a 4th-grade teacher in Ridgefield Public Schools. “Liberal Studies gives you the opportunity to learn a lot of different subjects. I’ve taken geology, macroeconomics, politics and many other classes besides just ‘elementary education.’ This has helped me expand my horizons as a learner and future educator.”

Elementary Education and English double-major Tara Ruschmeier ’21 is pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education at Eastern. “I worked with students with special needs when I was in high school and had thought about studying special education in the past. I am excited to learn how to provide my students with the best quality education based on their unique needs.”

Liberal Studies and Elementary Education double-major Nina Zimmitti is a first-grade teacher at Shepard Hill Elementary School in Plainfield. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t have a passion for any subject in particular. Then I found the Liberal Studies major, which is a perfect complement to my education degree, as it covers the basis of all subjects.”

Liberal Studies and Elementary Education double-major Alicia Brockett is a paraprofessional for Middletown Public Schools. “As an elementary school teacher you are responsible for teaching everything from math to science. The liberal studies major verses you in a variety of subjects, which in turn helps you to teach these topics as a teacher.”