Michael Sova, M.A. Student Cognition and Development: Developmental Teacher Education Major: B.A., English Literature, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Career Plans: Teaching in an urban elementary school Home: San Francisco, CA

"Based on my research of teacher training programs in the Bay Area, Developmental Teacher Education offers the most comprehensive training for future multiple-subject teachers."

My previous work:
I was the events planner at the California Association of Human Relations Organizations, a non-profit that organizes California communities against hate crimes, and provides training and conferences on related issues including diversity awareness, hate crime reduction, police-community relations, and inter-ethnic harmony in schools.

My reasons for choosing Berkeley:
UC Berkeley's GSE was ranked third in the nation (first among public institutions), and I wanted the best education possible to best prepare me for a career working with, and advocating for children and students of all ages. Based on my research of teacher training programs in the Bay Area, Developmental Teacher Education offers the most comprehensive training for future multiple-subject teachers. It emphasizes the cognitive, academic, and moral development of children--all of which play significant roles in learning. The program also emphasizes that children create their own learning, with teachers actively guiding them along the way. As someone who was a product of traditional schooling, I welcomed this fresh approach. The program provides participants five different student teaching placements over the course of two years.

My advice to prospective students:
Start researching fellowships early. There's a lot of money out there that graduate students don't always know about. The School's Student Services staff can help you with this. Prepare yourself for hard work but don't be put off by it. Come prepared to challenge your own convictions, as well as those of your fellow students, but also build upon them. I've found my experiences in the program more rewarding than I could have hoped for. Also, it's never too early to start thinking about what educational/teaching issue you'd like to investigate further for your master's topic.

 

 

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