It is fascinating to watch our amazing graduates each year and where they end up! Some continue teaching in the classroom where they interned, some move to new states, while others head to graduate school! There are endless options after graduation and it is so exciting to hear about all of the alumni's bright futures!
We reached out to a few of our recent graduates to hear about what they are up to, and they did not disappoint! Here are our alumni spotlights:
Melanie Staten: Elementary Education (TESOL Minor)
Where are you working now?
I work at Timpanogos Elementary now, in Provo City School District, teaching 5th grade English DLI. I love working there because of the team atmosphere and incredible administration. One unique thing about Timpanogos is that we have dual immersion with Spanish, but we’re considered “two-way immersion” because we have lots of native English speakers learning Spanish as well as many native Spanish speakers learning English, including many students new to the country. This demographic creates a super fun dynamic of learning from everyone’s strengths and fascinating background knowledge that the students eagerly bring to my classroom
What is something you think all McKay students should learn before leaving BYU?
Before leaving BYU, I think McKay students should learn strategies for differentiating within their classroom. I remember writing lesson plans with one or two accommodations that I was working in. Also, learn how to manage your own stress and mental health! It has been sad to see teacher friends leave the profession because of burnout. Learning how to balance your life and set boundaries of when you won’t be working while you’re in college will be great practice for when you’re a teacher!
What piece of advice would you give to someone currently in the ElEd program?
I would say do everything possible to get comfortable in front of a room of students. Lots of exposure is what helps with this! Get a job as an aide or volunteer! The time will come where you’re doing it for real, and being as comfortable as possible will reduce stress and help you get better faster!
Maddi Christensen: Early Childhood Education
Where are you working now?
I haven’t started working yet, because I don’t start teaching until the fall, but I will be teaching first grade at the same school I student taught at. I love that I get to shape young minds and help them understand the world.
What is something you think all McKay students should learn before leaving BYU?
I think all McKay students should learn compassion for themselves: we tend to be hard on ourselves and there’s a lot of perfectionism out there, but at the end of the day nothing is going to go perfectly and that’s okay. Take things one day at a time and remember that you’re not alone.
What piece of advice would you give to someone currently in the ECE program?
To anyone in the program, trust me, there were days I wanted to quit! I wasn’t sure this was the right path for me and the hard days made me question everything. But when I took a step back I realized that what I’m passionate about is giving a safe space to children where they can learn and grow and have a place where someone has their back and wants them to thrive. And so, on the hard days, I had to remind myself that so I didn’t quit, and I’m so glad I didn’t! Those kids need you, so please, keep going, and if you need someone to talk to, please reach out. There are amazing faculty and students in the McKay school who want you to succeed!
Breanne Earl: Elementary Education
Where are you working now?
I am currently working at Mt. Loafer, teaching 5th grade.
What piece of advice would you give to someone currently in the ElEd program?
Teaching is hard. It is always easy to find things to get frustrated about. That being said, there are also really wonderful things about teaching. It takes a lot of perspective and patience to be a teacher. I think it is important to learn to keep your perspective and find patience with yourself and others.
We are so proud of each of our graduates and what they have accomplished! To learn more about your potential future check out various professors' career paths on our blog, here!
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