On May 7, 2020, the College of Education Class of 2020 graduated. Through grit and perseverance, these Owls were able to accomplish so much during their time at Temple. As they wrapped up their time as students, our 2020 graduates shared some advice and their favorite memories during their time at the College of Education.

Joei DeCarlo

Major: BA and MEd in Adult & Organizational Development (4+1)

The biggest piece of advice I share with students is to look into +1 programs. Several colleges within Temple University offer them. I began taking graduate courses during my junior year of undergraduate studies, working toward my master's degree. In the +1 program, master's classes replace some of the required undergraduate courses, and the program allows students to graduate with a master's degree in just one year after they complete their undergraduate degree (four years of undergrad, plus one for master's). This program expedited the process of obtaining a master's degree, made school flexible with my work schedule, and helped me to save money on tuition. This was such a rewarding and challenging program. If you have the opportunity, go for it!

Donovan Forrest

Major: BSEd in Secondary Education & History

My time at the College of Education reminded me that there are plenty of people just like me who just want to change the world. Meeting so many of my peers who were passionate about empowering youth through education showed me that Temple is the place [to go] if you want to make that difference. No matter what it is—whether it's in education or community development, there are so many opportunities for you to be that change agent. I think that we're at the epicenter of a lot of the nation's biggest challenges. There's a lot of challenges in North Philadelphia. But if you're interested in being a change agent, it's the perfect place to start.

Ian Henshaw

Major: BS in Human Development & Community Engagement  

My time at the College of Education was filled with many friends, professors, and programs who made my experience as a student as enriching as possible. During my time in the College of Education, I was a member of Jumpstart which gave me hands-on experience working with students that was vital to me as I prepared to move into working with students after graduation. Through Human Development & Community Engagement, I was also able to have an internship at Andrew Jackson Elementary/Middle School as the Climate Intern which gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a school setting. I will miss my peers who always brightened my day, my professors who pushed me to be the best I could be and all of the opportunities the College of Education gave me- all of which prepared me for my future career in education!

Jason Hickman

Major: MEd in Secondary Math Education 

My favorite memory was [working as a graduate student worker] and participating in the Office of Enrollment Management and Marketing Pie Day because I just really love pie and everyone brought in so many kinds to try. It was really nice to have time set aside to just hang out with everyone from the office for a little while.

Julia Leonard

Major: BS in Human Development & Community Engagement 

The College of Education was a second identity when walking throughout Temple University. I am proud to be a member of the HDCE major, for it has brought me many different relationships, experiences and has opened up a whole new way of life for me. I owe my success to the variety of professors that work in the College of Education; every single person has your overall success in mind. HDCE brought a sense of community to so many people, and I am so lucky to have met such wonderful individuals within these four years. My advice to all future students is to allow yourself to be vulnerable, to make connections and to really get to know your professors/TA's, these are the people who will be there throughout this crazy and exciting ride. I love the HDCE program and the College of Education— there's no place like Ritter Hall!

Kyla Peterson

Major: BS in Human Development & Community Engagement

I entered the College of Education knowing I wanted to work with children, but I did not know what impact I wanted to have on the field of education. With the encouragement of my education professors and peers, I was inspired to discover my passion for working with youth and families in under-resourced, urban communities. The College of Education gave me the knowledge and tools to pursue this passion. The curriculum constantly went beyond teaching technical skills to also discussing the foundations of education and the impact the surrounding environment can have on student success. As I leave Temple and look toward my next steps, I will continue to appreciate the supportive environment I was able to learn and grow in. The College of Education truly shaped me into the community advocate I am today, and I could not be more grateful for the four short years I had with this program.

Sandy Soliman

Major: BSEd in Early Childhood Education and MEd in Special Education (4+1)

The College of Education at Temple has shaped me into the educator I always dreamed of becoming. My advice to all College of Education students is to never forget what is pushing you through strenuous days: the smile your students' faces when you walk into the classroom. My favorite professor told me to go out into the world and make waves, and I hope you all do the same. I'm Temple Made, and Temple Proud.

Rachel Smuts

Major: BSEd in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education

While my professors, field experiences and student teaching experience were all incredible, I will always be thankful for all of the incredible friendships the College of Education brought me. There is something to be said about those who major in education. You will never meet a more passionate and dedicated group of people. I will miss collaborating with them, grabbing coffee and a bagel between classes and the rides to practicum together! My advice? Talk to the people in your classes! No, I don't mean whenever you have to do a group project or when you need help on homework! Sit with them before class starts, get to know them. The College of Education is where you will find your best friends!

Michayla Stallings

Major: MEd in Higher Education 

I truly enjoyed my time at TU! I learned so much from the faculty and staff, and am so grateful for all the opportunities they provided. I encourage future students to interact in the classroom and in the Temple community!

Emily Walters

Major: BSEd in Early Childhood Education and MEd in Special Education (4+1)

I am honored to be a part of the graduating Class of 2020! Through the College of Education at Temple, I was a part of the 4 + 1 program, where I got my bachelor's degree in early childhood education in 2019 and my master's degree in special education. Being a part of the Temple community for 5 years, I was able to grow into a leader, mentor, and an educator because of the wonderful relationships I made with my peers and professors. Looking back at my time at Temple, I am truly going to miss helping out new Owls figure out the difference between Ritter Hall and Ritter Annex, along with waiting in line at Bagel Hut. I am proud to be an MEd as a third generation of #TempleMade teachers!