Recent graduate shares passion for education, teaching
January 12, 2023 | by Jayna Lacy
Recent College of Education and Human Development graduate Katelyn Long '22 just landed a job teaching 2nd grade at Highlands Elementary Schoo. In this Q&A, the Pasadena, Texas, shares what sparked her passion in education.
Q: What degree did you earn?
A: Bachelors of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood-6th Generalist
Q: What sparked your passion in teaching? Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?
A: Former teachers sparked my interest in teaching. The consistent encouragement and staying after school from many teachers inspired me to do the same for others!
Q: Why did you choose to attend Lamar University?
A: I chose Lamar because it wasn't too far away from home but I was able to get the full college experience.
Q: How was your experience at LU?
A: My experience at Lamar was definitely one to remember. I am truly thankful for all the memories and friends that I made during my time at LU. I also met my amazing boyfriend here, so LU will hold a special place in my heart!
Q: Were you a part of any clubs or organizations during your time at LU?
A: I was a part of Lamar Student Education Association and Chi Alpha as well. I was also the student director for Cardinal Communities.
Q: Did you earn any internships during your time at LU?
A: While being in the education department, you have to do so many observation hours based on the class that you are taking. With that, I have done many internships throughout schools while attending Lamar.
Q: Where is the school located that you'll be working at?
A: Highlands Elementary in Baytown, Texas.
Q: How did you go about landing this teaching job?
A: I actually had two other offers before walking in to interview for this certain position. I accepted one in Crosby and was considering the other in Pearland, while thinking about not even showing up to the interview for the Baytown school. Of course, I ended up going and actually walked out with a job 30 minutes later. This is also my dream grade so I declined the others and took the grade I truly wanted to teach!
Q: What's your official job title and what will you be doing at the school?
A: My official job title is a 2nd Grade Self-Contained Teacher.
Q: How did your experience at LU prepare you for your job?
A: There were many experiences that LU helped prepare me for my job, such as being a student director for Cardinal Communities and many of the classes in the education field.
Q: Would you like to shoutout any professors or mentors at LU that help you along your journey?
A: I would like to give a shoutout to Dr. Titus, Dr. Hood, Dr. Singh, Mrs. Carter, and all the other professors in the education department for always encouraging me to keep going and reminding me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Q: What advice would you give to current students looking to join this field?
A: The best advice that I could give is to enjoy your time and take in all the advice and experiences you can get! It's going to be hard at times and sometimes overwhelming, but it is so worth it. What (professors) are teaching, is far more than what you need so take it all in, so that you can mentor and meet the needs of all students you come in contact with! Teaching is one of the best careers EVER!
Q: What degree did you earn?
A: Bachelors of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood-6th Generalist
Q: What sparked your passion in teaching? Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?
A: Former teachers sparked my interest in teaching. The consistent encouragement and staying after school from many teachers inspired me to do the same for others!
Q: Why did you choose to attend Lamar University?
A: I chose Lamar because it wasn't too far away from home but I was able to get the full college experience.
Q: How was your experience at LU?
A: My experience at Lamar was definitely one to remember. I am truly thankful for all the memories and friends that I made during my time at LU. I also met my amazing boyfriend here, so LU will hold a special place in my heart!
Q: Were you a part of any clubs or organizations during your time at LU?
A: I was a part of Lamar Student Education Association and Chi Alpha as well. I was also the student director for Cardinal Communities.
Q: Did you earn any internships during your time at LU?
A: While being in the education department, you have to do so many observation hours based on the class that you are taking. With that, I have done many internships throughout schools while attending Lamar.
Q: Where is the school located that you'll be working at?
A: Highlands Elementary in Baytown, Texas.
Q: How did you go about landing this teaching job?
A: I actually had two other offers before walking in to interview for this certain position. I accepted one in Crosby and was considering the other in Pearland, while thinking about not even showing up to the interview for the Baytown school. Of course, I ended up going and actually walked out with a job 30 minutes later. This is also my dream grade so I declined the others and took the grade I truly wanted to teach!
Q: What's your official job title and what will you be doing at the school?
A: My official job title is a 2nd Grade Self-Contained Teacher.
Q: How did your experience at LU prepare you for your job?
A: There were many experiences that LU helped prepare me for my job, such as being a student director for Cardinal Communities and many of the classes in the education field.
Q: Would you like to shoutout any professors or mentors at LU that help you along your journey?
A: I would like to give a shoutout to Dr. Titus, Dr. Hood, Dr. Singh, Mrs. Carter, and all the other professors in the education department for always encouraging me to keep going and reminding me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Q: What advice would you give to current students looking to join this field?
A: The best advice that I could give is to enjoy your time and take in all the advice and experiences you can get! It's going to be hard at times and sometimes overwhelming, but it is so worth it. What (professors) are teaching, is far more than what you need so take it all in, so that you can mentor and meet the needs of all students you come in contact with! Teaching is one of the best careers EVER!