Lauren Davis
McKay Student Ambassador
Early Childhood Education
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Emaree Dayes, and I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. I met my husband, Dallin, in Arizona in 2020, and we attended Brigham Young University (BYU) together before getting married in 2021. I attended BYU from Fall 2020 to April 2024, where I majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Prior to attending BYU, I had the opportunity to live abroad through the International Language Programs (ILP), where I taught English in Costa Rica and Ukraine for several months. These experiences ignited my passion for teaching and significantly influenced my decision to pursue my major and minor.
What are you doing now with your degree?
After my husband and I both graduated in April, we returned to our home state of Arizona. Over the summer, I accepted a teaching position at the elementary school I attended as a child in Mesa, Arizona. I am currently teaching 2nd grade and have found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience.
What are your future plans?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year of teaching and can envision myself continuing to teach younger grades in an elementary school for many years. The supportive and fun atmosphere at my current school has made this experience particularly fulfilling. Additionally, I have a strong passion for teaching English as a second language and can see myself transitioning to work exclusively with English Language Learners (ELL) as an ESL teacher in the future. Looking ahead, I also aspire to start a family and dedicate time to raising my future children.
How do you feel your education from the McKay School prepared you for where you are now?
I believe the McKay School played a pivotal role in shaping me into a confident and capable teacher. As I began my first year in the classroom, I felt well-prepared to teach new curriculum and implement effective classroom management strategies. The techniques and methodologies I learned at the McKay School have been instrumental in my success. One of the most impactful skills I have applied is Classroom Mathematics Instruction (CMI), which emphasizes student-led learning in math. This approach has greatly enhanced my students' understanding and engagement in mathematics.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT EDUCATION MAJORS?
Come meet with us during Ambassador Afternoons! If those times don't work, schedule an appointment here.
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