Hometown: Lawrence, MA

Major: BA in Elementary Education, MEd in Special Education (4+1 Program)

Activities: Education Club; Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society

As an immigrant who moved to this country from the Dominican Republic as a child not knowing how to speak English, I felt so appreciative of the support I received from my teachers. To be in a position to provide that support to others is a big reason why I want to become a teacher. When I speak in Spanish to the non-native English-speaking preschoolers in the child development lab, you can just see their eyes light up. They get really excited.

The transition from high school to college can be scary and nerve-wracking. I came to Framingham State right when COVID-19 was ramping up. I knew FSU has a strong Education program and my professors did a great job of guiding us through that period. I felt like I was really well prepared despite it all.

Most of my friends who are training to become teachers have someone in their family who is a teacher and that is a big motivating factor for them. No one in my family is a teacher. But I’ve been fortunate to have had so many teachers that have been supportive and helped me become the person I am today. I want to do the same for others.

I am part of the first cohort that was eligible to sign up for the 4+1 program in Special Education. I have already completed three graduate level courses and will be licensed to teach elementary education students in grades 1-6 and students with moderate disabilities in pre-K through 8 when she completes the program in 2025.

I know that after five years of teaching, I will need a master’s degree, so this is a great opportunity to earn both (bachelor’s and master’s degrees) while saving money. I haven’t decided yet if I want to be a general education teacher or a special education teacher, but either way the skills I’m learning through the special education program will be so important. Almost every teacher has students with special needs in their classroom and not every school has the resources to provide these students. Having that background will be really valuable.