School of Education honors exceptional students in dual certification program

Amidst all the challenges and uncertainty of their final semester at SUNY New Paltz, the graduating seniors in the Early Childhood/Childhood Education B-6 Program have risen above and beyond what is normally expected of them. They successfully navigated their way through an unusually demanding student teaching semester and responded effectively to the necessary changes in curricular needs attributed to COVID-19. By applying the educational skills acquired through their academic course work and clinical studies here at New Paltz, they were able to support the local community and the teachers, children and families at their placement sites during this difficult time of pedagogical change and adaptation.

However, the excellence and dedication of our students in the program does not end there. Megan Vaughn ’20 (Early Childhood & Childhood Education: Mathematics) was selected as the SUNY New Paltz Salutatorian for 2020. The School of Education and the Early Child/Childhood Education Program are proud of her and her accomplishments. Megan’s positive and focused approach to her studies and field experiences has been the foundation of her success and will continue to support her growth as an educator and contributions to the field.

Three more students graduating from the Early Childhood/Childhood Education Program are also members of the Honors Program and have successfully completed their honors theses.

The thesis by Brooke Musmacker ’20 (Early Childhood & Childhood Education: Mathematics), titled “Academic Advising During a Global Pandemic,” builds upon her interest in the advisory process at Institutions of Higher Education, particularly within an Early Childhood/Childhood Education program, and was influenced by current events.

Rachel Obergh ’20 (Early Childhood & Childhood Education: English) explores the correlations between play, movement and the learning and development of young children in her thesis, “Gross Motor Development and the Implications for Learning.”

And Helen Zhang ’20 (Early Childhood & Childhood Education: English) draws upon her minor in Deaf Studies for her thesis; “Can Integrating the Theory of Multiple Intelligences and the Use of Sign Language Assist ELL Students Academically and Emotionally in the Classroom?”

The School of Education congratulates all members of its Class of 2020. Our best wishes for success in all your future endeavors!