From the steps of Capitol Hill to the sands of the Galapagos Islands, students of the College of Education immersed themselves in global, groundbreaking experiences this summer.
Undergraduate Students Explore Ecuador’s Educational and Family Systems
Led by Tara Mathien, Ed.D., a group of undergraduate students participated in an immersive study abroad program in Ecuador and the Galapagos islands. The program focused on educational systems, family, culture, and educational access. The students visited local schools, collaborated with educators, and worked directly with diverse students to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities within these learning environments.
Their experience culminated in a final project, where they reflected on their time abroad and recorded the insights gained from their time in Central America. Students focused on families and children, social supports, early education settings and interventions available to communities across the areas of Quito, indigenous regions in the Andes Mountains, and remote locations in the Galapagos Islands.
“Each student came into this program with differing backgrounds and experiences,” said Mathien. “However, each one of them came ready and willing to make the most of their opportunities by being open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.”
Graduate Students Engage in Early Childhood Policy Learning in Washington, D.C.
Five graduate students from the University of Florida’s Early Childhood Care and Education Policy program participated in a three-day Federal Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., as part of the Early Childhood Policy in Institutions of Higher Education (ECPIHE) initiative.
Alongside a cohort of participating scholars in ECIPHE, students and faculty met with policymakers and learned from national experts about the historical context and evolution of early childhood policy, current challenges in the field, and how leaders work toward addressing these challenges today.
“This experience elevated their understanding of the early childhood care and education system, and introduced them to policymakers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds,” said Katy Chapman, Ph.D, clinical assistant professor of Early Childhood Studies and affiliate of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies. “This diversity of professions, experiences, and opinions will allow them to be a continuous learner and leader in the field, fostering collaboration and contributing to comprehensive and inclusive policy reforms.
PK Yonge’s Renee Andrews leaves a lasting impact with final science expedition
Renee Andrews (M.Ed. ‘86), has been teaching for over 30 years, and has taught secondary science courses at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School since 2001. As a final hurrah before retirement, Andrews and her students embarked on a trip to the Galapagos Islands.
“Kids aren’t going to care about the environment unless they experience it,” Andrews said. “Turning kids on to science, taking them outside and getting them to take an interest in the outside world is huge”
The group landed on the islands in June, where they would then spend 10 days exploring and learning about the environment.
“P.K. is a really amazing place to teach with amazing faculty, it’s made it a really nice career because we have supportive faculty and are allowed to experiment,” Andrews said.
College of education doctoral student attends AACTE Washington Week and advocates for educational policy in the U.S. Capitol Hill
Concepción Moncada Cummings, doctoral candidate and AACTE Holmes Scholar, attended the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education’s (AACTE) Washington Week, where she advocated for bills that strengthen educator preparation and the educator workforce.
“Our discussions centered on nurturing a child’s early childhood development, raising awareness about early childhood, and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves,” said Cummings in a journal entry for AACTE. “We also learned about the crucial role of the first three years of a child’s life in shaping their lifelong health and well-being.”
Cummings participated in a Zero to Three professional development at the event, which was dedicated to promoting well-being of babies and toddlers as they grow from infancy to childhood
Cummings continues to be a Holmes Scholar for ACCTE and actively encourages other educators to participate with the association.
“I wouldn’t have had this opportunity had it not been for The University of Florida and AACTE,” Cummings said. “I am truly in awe of the opportunities afforded to me at UF College of Education.”
