Students wrapping up their master's program in education held a Graduate Impact Celebration on July 26.
Following two years of study, 21 students in Elon’s master of education program made presentations explaining the ways their education is having an impact in their work with students and in their school environments. Six students in the elementary education cohort, nine students in the gifted education cohort and six students in the special education cohort made presentations about the skills and expanded perspectives they have gained in the M.Ed. program.
The students also explained the impact of their study abroad experience in Costa Rica. Ten students and three faculty members traveled to the Central American country in June 2013, visiting four schools and learning about education practices and challenges.
Prior to, during, and after the Costa Rica experience, candidates engaged in reading, writing and inquiry with a focus on diversity, culture and education in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and abroad. Candidates (all of whom are teachers) provided evidence of how the researching, writing and international experience impacted (a) their enrichment of their community of diverse learners (teachers, students, parents, etc.), (b) their advocacy for the welfare of all students they encounter, locally and globally and (c) application to practice in working with local Hispanic/Latino students, particularly those identified as English Language Learners. Candidates also demonstrated how collaboration with peers, both local and global, impacted their intercultural competence as professional educators and educational leaders.
The Graduate Impact Celebration was coordinated by Angela Owusu-Ansah, director of Elon’s M.Ed. program. Commencement ceremonies for the graduates are scheduled for Aug. 17 in Whitley Auditorium.