Jeff Fleming '24 | Elementary/Special Education

My most impactful moment as a Hood education student was the daily interactions we had with the staff and the content we would discuss in class. All of the content was presented in interesting ways, whether Professor Strickland was having us write a mock behavioral intervention plan (BIP) for a student or Professor Graybeal was having us create explanations of a mathematics concept, all of the lessons and discussions in class were growing us as educators. Overall, there’s not one particular moment to choose from. In fact, there are too many impactful moments. However, I look back to the many conversations we had in class with the professors and know that each class session grew me as an educator and helped define what type of teacher I would become.

My experiences in Hood College’s education department set me up to be successful in the real world because the faculty keep up to date with the current state of education, and they always teach the best practices, regardless of the popular trends in education that are not evidence based. In every education class at Hood College, the content will connect to what you will be doing as a teacher in the real world. Hood’s program has given me the ability to step into my current position and teach my students effectively. I feel confident and comfortable in the field as a teacher early in my career. I owe a lot of that to my preparation at Hood College. 

The education faculty at Hood College make the education department an excellent place for a student to grow as a teacher. The faculty all have real life experience teaching in the field for many years. The professors can relate to your experiences in field placements and share applicable lessons and tips from their experience as a teacher. Also, the professors not only know you by name, but also make an effort to support you as you achieve your goals. For example, I had expressed interest in teaching older students for special education. The faculty set me up to work in a middle school special education program for my Phase III student teaching experience, where I got hands-on experience providing special education services. Anther example, I had wanted to work outside of the state of Maryland. My professors would meet with me to review my applications, resume and even answer questions I had about licensure in a different state. All in all, your college experience is a reflection of what you put into it. If you put effort into your time as a student studying education at Hood College, it is well worth it.

Learn more about the elementary/special education program here.