I currently advise around 75 graduate students who are in
our MST Childhood Education Program. Throughout the 5 1/2
years that I have been at
Cortland, I have thoroughly enjoyed being an advisor. Throughout
this time, I have found that my
role as an advisor takes a considerable amount of time because I believe that it is important for my advisees to
be able to use me as a guide throughout their teacher preparation
program. Therefore, I understand my role as much more than a faculty
member who helps students to select and register for appropriate
coursework. I believe that it is important that I learn who they are
as individuals and although this takes time, I believe it is
worthwhile. My advisees often stop by my office to say hi, share
stories about their lives and update me on their academic progress.
I consider all conversations worthwhile because in my role as an
advisor, I can help students feel a personal connection to SUNY
Cortland and to the professional world of education as they emerge as future teachers.
As an advisor, I have helped students begin their teacher
preparation program at Cortland, receive local scholarships, obtain
graduate assistantships, and secure teaching positions. My goal is
to widen my sphere of influence so I can support my students in ways
that truly make a difference in their lives. I always look
forward to working with my advisees and am eager to academically
support them throughout their preservice teacher preparation
program. |