On the 25th Anniversary of World Teachers’ Day, three education majors reflect on why they are drawn to teaching and how UMF is preparing them for their calling.
Words and pictures by Ryan Mastrangelo
What better place to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of World Teachers’ Day than UMF, the birthplace of higher education teacher preparation in Maine? On October 5 and with this year’s theme in mind — “Young Teachers: The Future of the Profession” — we invited three fledgling educators at UMF to share their thoughts on why they are drawn to teaching and why UMF is positioning them for success in the classroom.
Danielle Bowler ’20, who is majoring in secondary education, minoring in international global studies and earning an English language learners certificate, says her own experience with a learning disability led her to pursue a career in the classroom.
English language learner and secondary education major Danielle Bowler ’20
“When I was in second grade I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Having a learning disability in school, the classroom was not a comfortable environment for me,” says Bowler, who hails from Hampden, Maine. “Throughout my educational career, however, there were always teachers who went above and beyond for me, listening to my needs and creating unique classroom environments where each and every student felt comfortable and ready to learn.”
At UMF, Bowler has found a similarly supportive learning environment with people “who are just as passionate about the craft as I am.”
“As an undergrad, I have already had the privilege to attend, and even present my own research at multiple conferences. And just last summer, a group of students visited UMF from Hong Kong. I was able to work directly with them and serve as a teaching assistant in their English class,” says Bowler. “Before coming to UMF, I envisioned college as a time where you would just sit in a classroom and listen to your professors as they lecture. UMF isn’t like that. UMF has brought me learning experiences I never thought possible.”
Maggie Pomerleau ’20, an English and secondary education–English double major from Farmingdale, Maine, traces her interest in teaching to her senior year of high school.
English and secondary education-English major Maggie Pomerleau ’20
“I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career,” recalls Pomerleau. “Then I realized, I love writing, I love helping others, and it just clicked that teaching is the perfect career for me.”
Since then, Pomerleau says she has had ample opportunities to test her convictions about pursuing a life in the classroom.
“UMF has helped prepare me for my future in teaching in so many different ways. I was able to do my practicum experience right here in Farmington, and last year I was able to volunteer as a tutor in that same school through connections I made at UMF,” she says. “All of my professors are amazing, and I know that I can go to them if I ever need help — professionally or personally. Being at a liberal arts college, I feel like I’m receiving a very well-rounded education. I even got the opportunity to go to Ireland and Scotland this past May to take a geology course with fellow UMF students.”
Danny Terhune ’22, a secondary education–social studies major from South Burlington, Vt., is drawn to teaching by his love of history and desire to help others understand the lessons of the past. And like many education majors, he chose UMF for its longstanding tradition of excellence in teacher preparation.
Here he’s learning from “supportive” professors and has already gained classroom experience much earlier than he would have at other universities.
Secondary education–social studies major Danny Terhune ’20.
“I’m now in the fall semester of my sophomore year and I’m already in the classroom for practicum teaching, which is like a mini-student teaching experience,” Terhune explains. “Another college I looked at said that kind of hands-on experience wouldn’t happen until the spring of my junior year. The faculty here at UMF supports you whether it’s a question about lesson plans, teaching standards, or just providing emotional support. They are there for you.”
Terhune, who also plays catcher and in the outfield as a member of UMF’s baseball team, says being an education major and a varsity athlete is is not without its challenges. But the opportunity to continue to compete and hone his skills supports his goal of being a high school baseball coach and teacher.
“There may be this misconception that you can’t be an athlete and an education major because both are really demanding. But it can definitely be done,” says Terhune. “The support from coaches and faculty is really what makes this possible. That, and some serious time-management skills.”