Education Department at Framingham State University

Tomorrow at 9:30 AM in the McCarthy Center Forum, we are excited to be welcoming all of our new students in the Education Department including the incoming and all of our new transfer students. We can’t wait to get to know each of you! Best wishes to the entire FSU community as you settle into an amazing start to the academic year.

Hype the Arts today!

It’s time to take a social media break for the summer months. The Education Department wishes you a wonderful summer and we will see you back in September!

Congratulations to the Framingham State University Class of 2024. Enjoy this special day! We are proud of your hard work and we can’t wait to see what you will accomplish in the future!

Way to go, Framingham State University Class of 2024! We cannot wait to celebrate you and all of your hard work at commencement. Congratulations once again!

Thats a wrap on the spring 2024 semester! Congratulations on all that you accomplished. We wish you all an amazing and safe summer!

Meet senior Emily Ferrucci, one of the recipients of the 2024 Secondary Education Award. Emily is a Spanish major with a minor in Secondary Education. During her time at Framingham state she says she has learned how to better meet the needs of students with different abilities and learning styles. Also through her field experiences she has learned the importance of building strong connections. Emily is currently the President of FSU's chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Hispanic Honor Society. She also works with the other officers to plan bonding events for students of Spanish and members of the Hispanic community at FSU. In her future she would love to get a job teaching in a Middle School or High School. Her advice to other fellow Education Department Students: “The more you interact with the content in your education courses, the more tools you will have when it comes to your own teaching. All my textbooks are marked up with notes for me to refer back to as a new teacher. The more you put into your courses and field experiences, the more you will get out of them. Also, build connections with professors as mentors; they want to help you!” Congratulations Emily!

Let’s get ready for teacher appreciation week! The Education Department would like to thank all of the educators here at FSU, as well as our alumni who are now teaching their own students. Thank you teachers!

Meet Amanda Bedard, an early childhood education student with a minor in English. Amanda was one of the recipients of this year's Early Childhood Education Awards. In the future she would like to teach kindergarten or first grade. Amanda was a member for the Framingham State University track and field and cross country teams and she was a captain this past fall. Additionally, she was on the Education Club eboard last year. Amanda’s advice to other Education Department Students is “remember your “why” and appreciate all the little moments that lead you to where you are now! On tough days it’s important to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace in the fact that you’re still learning. Your students might not remember everything you taught them but they will remember the way you made them feel! Enter each day with a fresh slate and an optimistic attitude that will shine onto the kids that you teach and foster a positive classroom environment! :)” Congratulations Amanda! The Education Department is so proud of you.

Meet Bridget Conceison, an early childhood education major with a minor in psychology. She is also one of this year's recipients of the Education Department Awards. During her time at Framingham State she has learned how to be flexible and that even when things are difficult they will be worth it. Bridget was the president of the education club and the secretary of the dance team. She hopes to be a kindergarten teacher in her future. Bridget's advice to other Education Department students is to get involved on campus and to build relationships with your professors and peers. Congratulations Bridget!

Scholarly research posters presented by students in CFST 440: Research in Child & Family Studies!

The Education Department would like to wish everybody a happy last day of classes and good luck on finals! Have a great summer.

Introducing Danielle DiCorcia, an early childhood education major who is also in the 4+1 master of special education program. Throughout her time here at Framingham State she has learned the importance of being a responsive teacher since each student has different abilities. Danielle is currently working as a preschool teacher at Boston Children's Hospital but in the future she sees herself working in a public school. Danielle’s advice to fellow Education Department Students is, “to be that memorable teacher you had or wish you had when you were younger. I truly believe that most students have a favorite teacher or a teacher they remember from their early years of school. If you were once a student who is now becoming a teacher, please be that teacher who cares for, loves, protects, supports their students, and becomes their favorite.”

Kappa Delta Pi 2024 Induction Ceremony:
Congratulations to the new initiates!
Two-time alumna Becca Tosti, Kindergarten teacher, provided a keynote speech encouraging the new KDP members to form close connections with their colleagues. President Niemi, a former teacher and KDP member herself, spoke to the group about their ethical duties and inspired them to center equity in their work as educators. Thank you to KDP officers Mandy Taylor and Kate Carney for facilitating a wonderful ceremony.

The Education Department would like to introduce Laura Abreu. She is a recipient of the 2024 Elementary Education Award! She is an Elementary Education major also enrolled in the 4+1 M.Ed. program in Special Education (Moderate Disabilities). Additionally, Laura is in Kappa Delta Pi which is the honor society for educators. Over her time here at Framingham State she learned so much from the faculty and peers around her. She says “the people here truly care about your education and seeing you succeed! Something I’ve learned is the importance of equity and inclusivity in education. Each and every classroom is diverse in its own ways and it’s important to be aware of that and teach in a culturally responsive way” Once she finishes her masters in special education she hopes to have her own elementary school classroom. She says her biggest advice to fellow Education Department students is, “each day is a new day to learn! Whether you are in class, inside a school classroom, or anywhere else immerse yourself in that environment. Becoming educators is something wonderful and something you should be so proud of! Each and one of you has the chance to influence and be a huge part of a child’s education and self-discovery journey. Be proud of yourself for choosing this path!” Congratulations Laura, The Education Department is so proud of you.

Meet Yessica Meneses! A senior Child and Family Studies major with minors in Psychology and Education. Additionally, she is one the recipients of this year's Child and Family Studies award. She says throughout her time at Framingham State she has learned so much about child development preschool and toddler curriculum, educational psychology, and effective teaching strategies. She is currently working as a developmental specialist in early intervention, and hopes to continue advancing her career in early intervention. She is passionate about working with children and families. Her advice to fellow Education Department Students is “to take advantage of every opportunity to learn, both inside and outside the classroom. Building strong relationships with peers and faculty, seeking out diverse experiences, and staying open to new ideas will all contribute to your success in this field.” Congratulations Yessica, The Education Department is glad to have been a part of your journey!

Please congratulate one the recipients of this year's Secondary Education Award, Oli Heafey, a mathematics major with a minor in secondary education. in the future Oli would like to become a high school math teacher. Oli is currently the president of the Math Club and also a member of Hilltop Players. Olivia's advice to other Education Department students is to “​​not be afraid to try something new, because with teaching you have to take chances in your lessons. Sometimes you may fail, but even when you do, it's an opportunity to learn and grow to be the best teacher you can be” Congratulations, Oli!

The Education Department is proud to introduce senior Taylor Iarussi, one of this year's recipients of the Child and Family Studies award. She is a senior Child and Family Studies major with minors in Psychology, Art, and Education. During her time here at Framingham State she says she has enjoyed learning about the different options that would be available to her in this field. In the future, her goal is to work in Early Intervention as a Developmental Specialist. Taylor’s advice to other Education Department students is “It’s okay to take your time, you’ll get where you’ll need to be eventually. Always keep learning and be open to feedback!” Congratulations Taylor on all you have accomplished here at Framingham State.

Meet senior Peyton Coonan, an Elementary Education Major and an English Minor, who received the Elementary Education Award in 2024. She is also a member of the commonwealth honors program and played on the Framingham State Women's Field Hockey team for the last four years. She says “Expert professors have equipped me with the tools to practice social-emotional strategies, pedagogical approaches, and a way of instilling that yearning to want to know more and continue learning until the end of time.” In the future, Peyton would like to be an upper Elementary teacher and then transition into a high school administrator. Her advice to other Education Department students is “to always remain a learner. One day you will be a teacher, but educators are life-long learners. Seek to learn something new each day whether it be from a lecture, a close friend or family member, someone in the community, a child, or a moment in time. Being able to think outside your perspective and into someone else's can open your eyes in a way you’ve never been taught to look. Never take for granted any interaction, big or small because you never know how something could stick with you day-to-day. An example of this is when I once overheard, “The only way to get through something is through '', I now think of this in every relevant situation. Take every encounter meaningfully and foster a positive environment where you can apply what you’ve learned from your past self, to your future self.” Keep up the great work Peyton, The Education Department can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will accomplish.

Introducing senior Child and Family Studies major Rebecca Rivera! She also has a minor in psychology. This year she is one of the recipients of the Education Department Award! During her time at Framingham State she says she has learned how to better advocate for herself and become a confident leader. On campus Rebecca is in multiple different honors societies and also a bilingual preschool teacher at the centers here on campus for 4 years now. After graduation she would love to be an Elementary School Social Worker. Her biggest advice to other Education Department students is “take every opportunity that comes your way! I have made so many memories and connections through working on campus and the classes I have taken. Do not be afraid to ask questions, take risks, and mess up!”

Congratulations to all of the recipients of the Education Department’s annual awards at yesterday’s ceremony! In the coming weeks we will be sharing profiles of the award recipients on our social media. Stay tuned!

Early Childhood Center Director Panel: Students and local community members were able to hear from four panelists today, each of whom is a director of a local early childhood center. The panelists included Ms. Jill Canelli, Drumlin Farm Preschool Director and Early Education Manager, Ms. Lori Davis, Assistant Executive Director at The Tobin School, Ms. Valerie Hytholt, Director of the Centers for Early Childhood Education at Framingham State University, and Ms. Lesley Kinney, Division Director of Head Start & Childcare at SMOC. Thank you to our panelists for sharing insights about career paths and the unique features of their programs!

Each year, Framingham State University recognizes our Professors Emeriti at a special luncheon. From the Education Department, Dr. Mary Grassetti and Dr. Diane Lowe attended today’s event as well as many others from all departments!

The Education Department would like to thank all of the future Rams and their families and guests for coming to our accepted students days. It was fabulous to meet you all over the last couple of weeks and we hope to see you on campus in the fall! Visit our website at the link in our bio to learn more and contact us with questions.

🍏 Free classroom supplies! 🍏 The Education Department is giving away these miscellaneous organizers in hopes that they will end up in a classroom somewhere. If you are interested in any of these items, stop by O’Connor Hall 126. Questions? Reach out via social media or email us at [email protected]

Graduating students were celebrated today by the Education Department at a reception with an opportunity to reflect, connect, and mark an important transition. Thank you to all who worked to plan this event! 🎓📚✏️

The Education Department is pleased to announce the Fall 2024 MTEL prep course schedule, introducing a new model of credit-bearing courses. If you have any questions about what course you should be taking, reach out to your advisor. Registration is open for these courses, so make sure to register as soon as possible.

Students from Child and Family Studies and Education courses observing the eclipse!

A great day meeting with accepted students. Visit us next Saturday as well!