Reading is a key skill for young learners. The Master’s in Literacy program at The College of Saint Rose has prepared recent graduate, Caroline Du Vernoy, to promote reading and writing in her first teaching position.
Du Vernoy, from Union Vale, NY, graduated from Saint Rose with her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education in May 2010. She decided to stay at the College for advanced study in Literacy, specifically for children from birth through the elementary grades, graduating in December 2011 with her master’s degree. She currently works as a lower school science teacher (Pre-K through Grade 4) at the Albany Academies.
The decision to become a teacher was an easy one for Du Vernoy, as she always enjoyed school herself and wanted to share her passion for learning with others. “I knew I wanted to teach elementary school because I love interacting with kids. Their sense of wonder and excitement is really what makes teaching so rewarding,” she says.
After her undergraduate studies, Du Vernoy wanted to continue studying at Saint Rose. She enjoyed the connections she made with professors, which helped her secure a graduate assistantship position with one of her professors. Du Vernoy says she values the education she gained during her graduate studies, especially the numerous field experiences. “I believe the information we learn is meaningless unless we are able to apply it, and the Literacy program at Saint Rose gave me many opportunities to apply what I learned in realistic situations.”
Du Vernoy developed personal, as well as academic, relationships with professors during her master’s program. Dr. Katherine Verbeck served as Du Vernoy’s advisor and professor. Du Vernoy says that Dr. Verbeck made a positive impact on her. “As my advisor, Dr. Verbeck took extra care in making sure I was on track with my course work and certification exams. Her enthusiasm for literacy made me appreciate what I was doing even more and helped me understand the importance of what I was learning.”
Although Du Vernoy teaches science in her current teaching position, she has applied what she learned from the Literacy program in her classroom. This is in keeping with the Literacy faculty’s approach, which emphasizes the integration of reading and writing across the entire curriculum. “I incorporate a lot of reading into my everyday teaching through ‘read alouds’ and writing in journals,” she says, “I also feel prepared in developing the appropriate modifications needed for my students who have difficulty in reading and writing.”
For those considering applying for the Master’s in Literacy program at Saint Rose, Du Vernoy recommends that students keep a record of the different strategies professors teach. “My record of different strategies was the most useful and helpful resource during my field experiences. The greater the variety of strategies you have, the more fun and effective it is for you and your students!”
Are you interested in applying for admission to the Master’s in Literacy program at Saint Rose? Click here to read about the program’s course requirements. If you have any questions, please call Graduate Admissions at 518-454-5143 or email grad@strose.edu.
