Stephanie Crispell, ’20, '21 (M.S.)

I have the opportunity to earn a Masters Degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education with the Wilson Reading Certificate at SJU in one year. Throughout this one year program I will also be applying my course work and skills acquired by co-teaching at the AIM Academy, a research to practice independent lab school in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

By studying Elementary and Special Education in my undergraduate years, I was introduced to the Teacher Scholar Program at SJU and the teaching and educational experiences the program offers. Many of my special education professors and alumnae had recommended the program and highlighted the incredible opportunity to work at the AIM Academy while earning a Master's degree in one year.

I have found a love for working with students with disabilities throughout my field experiences at SJU and specifically my student teaching placement. I loved accommodating instruction in order to meet the needs of all students in the classroom, therefore when I found the Teacher Scholar Program dived deeper into more research-based teaching strategies, training in structure literacy programs, and a full year of classroom experience with students with high-incidence disabilities, I was so excited to continue my education in the Teacher Scholar Program at SJU.

During my four years at SJU, I had a field placement every semester where I was involved in the elementary classroom setting, getting experience in various grade levels, special education settings, and different types of schools around SJU. I also engaged in a semester long student teaching experience where I student taught in both a general education and special education setting. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain and got to work with a student with a hearing impairment to support English language development.

I have loved my four years at SJU and am so grateful for all the knowledge, growth, and relationships I have developed throughout my time on Hawk Hill! I am ecstatic to continue my education for one more year at SJU and then pursue a teaching career in an urban setting!