Childhood Education
Childhood education is the instruction of children in grades 1-6. Elementary school is a critical time to instill a love of learning and foster positive social experiences. Great teachers ignite an interest in children of all abilities and prepare them for academic success and a lifetime of learning.
-
Meet a Childhood Education Major: Allyson Vena
"Choosing Manhattan was the best decision I’ve made in my entire life. When I visited campus, met the professors and saw the Quadrangle, my mom said, ‘This is the place for you.’
"Within my first four weeks of my freshmen year, living in Jasper Hall, I met my friend group and took my first ride on the subway. Then the second best thing to ever happened to me, happened. I met Dr. Lisa Rizopoulos, who helped me create a schedule. She really solidified my dreams to one day become a teacher. Four years later I’m now the vice president of the Education & Health honor society, Kappa Delta Pi, an organization that helps bring education to the local community and hosts a ton of campus events. Safe Halloween was one, and we also orchestrated a panel that had student teachers telling current students about what they can expect from the field.
"As for co-curricular experiences, I’ve had a lot in the 100+ hours I’ve had to complete as requirement for my Childhood Education bachelor’s degree. In the Bronx, I’ve been at P.S. 24, the Spuyten Duyvil School, P.S. 37, the Multiple Intelligence School and P.S. 007, the Samuel Stern School in Manhattan.
"I’m also on the student advisory board of the College’s Center for Academic Success, which is where I met another staff member who’s shaped my time here: its director, Marisa Passafiume. I started tutoring at the Center my sophomore year, and I remember her giving me a certificate at the end of the year congratulating me on a job well done. That’s really important, because sometimes you need to see yourself through the eyes of someone else to realize ‘I’m good at what I do. I’m a great teacher.’
"As a senior, my time is coming to an end but I can confidently say I’ve done everything here I could have done academically. I’m just so happy. When parents visit campus with their children who are considering the College, they ask, ‘Do you love it here?’ I always say, ‘Your child is so lucky they’re just going into their freshman year; they have the next four years to enjoy. They have to choose Manhattan.’"
Rachel Tomashosky ’15, first grade teacher at P.S. 081 in the BronxI’ve been able to engage my students in hands-on instruction through techniques I learned from my Manhattan College professors. This program and its professors has given me confidence in my teaching abilities.