Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Education

Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Education The official page for the Dwight Schar College of Education at Ashland University.

The Dwight Schar College of Education has a proud history of academic accomplishments in both our undergraduate and graduate programs, and continues to prepare our candidates to meet the changing demands in today’s schools.

Our future teachers are immersed in the Science of Reading in their Phonological Awareness and Phonics course with Profe...
09/08/2025

Our future teachers are immersed in the Science of Reading in their Phonological Awareness and Phonics course with Professor Kolar! They are honing their skills and preparing to be impactful educators! We are proud of their dedication!

Doctoral Student Spotlight: Rosemary Fitzpatrick – A Lifelong Learner, Leader, and Legacy Builder 🌟At Ashland University...
06/23/2025

Doctoral Student Spotlight: Rosemary Fitzpatrick – A Lifelong Learner, Leader, and Legacy Builder 🌟
At Ashland University’s College of Education, we are proud to shine a spotlight on an extraordinary doctoral student whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful—Rosemary Fitzpatrick.
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Rosemary is a proud graduate of North High School and the daughter of two former Akron Public School teachers. Education is deeply rooted in her family, with many siblings and relatives also serving in the Akron school system. Today, she carries that torch as a dedicated teacher at East High School in Akron Public Schools, where she empowers the next generation through interactive media and technology education.
But Rosemary’s path to the classroom is anything but conventional.
Before entering education, she spent nearly 30 years at CNN, where she held roles in technical production, training, engineering, and management. From controlling teleprompters and designing on-screen graphics to managing election coverage and launching training departments, Rosemary helped shape how news was delivered to millions. Her broadcasting career began in high school with a vocational program in TV and radio, blossomed at her college radio station, and took flight with an internship at CNN in Atlanta in 1985. Her experiences there gave her a deep understanding of how to train, lead, and innovate—skills she now brings into her classrooms and professional development sessions.
After her parents' health began to decline, Rosemary made the decision to leave her CNN career and return home to Ohio to care for them. After they passed, she felt called to continue her own education, enrolling at Ashland University for a master’s in Curriculum & Instruction. That decision reignited her passion for education—and opened the door to even more possibilities.
While substitute teaching at Arlington Christian Academy, Rosemary also began volunteering at East High School, eventually being invited to teach Interactive Media full time. With the support of mentors and colleagues like Cynthia Beggar and Nathan Ruan, she pursued her vocational teaching license, CTE certification from Kent State, and a second master’s in Career Tech and Technical Education—all while ensuring her students had access to modern tools and media platforms like Apple products.
Encouraged by her Ashland professors—particularly Dr. Wisdom, who saw her talent for writing—Rosemary continued her academic journey into the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies program. She is a proud member of the first all-women doctoral cohort in the College of Education, a close-knit group that lifts one another up through every challenge and triumph.
Her dissertation focuses on customizing professional development through technology training for teachers, with the goal of ensuring not only delivery but actual transfer of knowledge into classrooms. Rosemary asks the essential questions: Did the teachers really get it? Can they integrate it effectively for today’s digital-native students? She believes that well-designed training can change outcomes—especially for ESL learners and students struggling with state assessments.
At East High School, Rosemary has implemented tech training, built a full production studio, and developed interactive lesson banks for teachers. Her impact during the pandemic was especially powerful, when she trained and supported Akron Public School teachers as a distance learning coach. Her efforts included writing acceptable use policies and creating student-facing training videos. These accomplishments were often the result of Ashland assignments that she seamlessly translated into real-world solutions.
Rosemary’s excellence has not gone unnoticed—she was named Outstanding Graduate Student at Ashland in 2021 and gives heartfelt credit to faculty members including Dr. Jason Ellis, Dr. Eric Kormos, Dr. Kendra Wisdom, Dr. Rick Breault, Dr. Cathy Chappell, Dr. Alfredi, and Dr. Jordan Argus, who challenged, inspired, and supported her through her journey.
Driven by faith, fueled by experience, and committed to lifelong learning, Rosemary’s short-term goal is to complete her dissertation. Her long-term dream is to support teachers at a district level or as a consultant, continuing to help them integrate technology in meaningful, engaging ways. She also aspires to write professionally—perhaps even teach at the university level one day.
As the oldest of four siblings—with brothers Ronald and Raynard (Rory), and sister Rhonda—Rosemary is a proud aunt, mentor, and “bonus mom” to her nieces, nephews, and the kids she teaches at church. She sees herself as a vessel for God's purpose, giving back to her community and always seeking ways to uplift others.
And this month, she’s setting off on a new kind of journey—traveling to Africa, where she’ll visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and explore South Africa and Botswana. A passionate traveler, Rosemary has also visited Japan to see her godson at a military base, and she continues to find joy and growth in discovering new places.
As Rosemary often reminds her students: "Knowledge is something no one can take away from you." At Ashland University, we’re honored to be part of her journey—and grateful for the impact she’s making in classrooms, communities, and beyond.
Congratulations, Rosemary. Your story is one of purpose, passion, and perseverance. Keep soaring.

For Emma Codding, graduating from Ashland University’s College of Education with a dual licensure in Primary General Edu...
06/16/2025

For Emma Codding, graduating from Ashland University’s College of Education with a dual licensure in Primary General Education and Intervention Specialist is more than a milestone — it’s a launchpad for a life of impact. Hailing from Wadsworth, Ohio, Emma’s journey to the classroom has been shaped by her family, her faith, her professors, and a deep desire to make students feel exactly what her parents told her every day as she left the house: “You are loved, you are valued, and you are cherished.”
Emma’s path to becoming a teacher began in childhood, watching her mother, Mandy Codding — a former special education preschool teacher of 16 years — create magic in her classroom. Emma remembers begging to play on her mom’s Smart Board and help plan lessons. Those early moments of wonder became foundational, planting a seed of passion that only grew stronger through the years. Her father, Jamey Codding, is a writer and serves as the communications director at Freshwater Community Church, where the family has always been grounded in faith and service. The Coddings have nurtured a home full of encouragement and purpose, not only for Emma but for her brothers Andrew, a freshman math major at Ashland University, and Eliot, a high school sophomore.
At Ashland, Emma found the kind of intentional education she had always dreamed of — small class sizes where professors knew her name, believed in her, and helped her thrive. She often reflects on how her professors shaped her as an educator. Judy Miller, who taught her Foundations of Reading, made a profound impact — not just through instruction, but by seeing and affirming Emma’s potential. “She told me I was going to make a difference,” Emma says. “That changed everything.” Terri Jewett, another formative voice, helped Emma grow creatively and confidently as a teacher, especially through a unit planning assignment that pushed her outside her comfort zone to teach fourth-grade history — a subject she initially found intimidating but ended up loving.
Emma is a passionate learner, especially when it comes to the science of reading — a field Ashland prepared her well for. “The science of reading classes weren’t just about learning methods,” she says. “They helped us understand why these methods work.” That understanding has become central to her teaching philosophy, especially in her recent internship at Sherman Elementary School, where she split her time between a general education teacher and an intervention specialist.
One of the most influential mentors during this time was Adria Jacobs, her general education mentor at Sherman. “She made school fun. She made students feel safe and excited to learn — and that’s not easy to do. Watching her teach showed me what best practices really look like in a real classroom: explicit vocabulary instruction, integrated literacy, hands-on learning, data-driven teaching. I couldn’t have asked for a better model.”
Emma also expressed deep appreciation for Carl Walley, her university supervisor, who provided constant support throughout her internship. His mentorship helped her feel confident and grounded during a challenging and transformational semester.
Now, with her licensure exams behind her and diploma in hand, Emma is looking ahead. She’s moving back home for a season, planning to work at a school-based daycare teaching two-year-olds this summer. “It’s a different age group,” she laughs, “but I love being with kids of all ages.” Her long-term goal? To begin in general education, grow her practice, and eventually transition into special education — a calling she feels deeply connected to through her mother’s example and her own classroom experiences.
Emma hopes one day to return to the Wadsworth City School District, where she was so positively influenced by her own teachers. But wherever she lands, her goals remain the same: build strong relationships, create inclusive environments, and make sure every student feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
In her free time, Emma recharges through reading, journaling, running, and music — often bringing these loves into her classroom. She sets the tone by reading during lunch, and her students’ curiosity about her books has become an organic way to share her love for literacy. “When kids see that I love reading, they want to love it too.”
She also knows how vital relationships are — with students, colleagues, and professors. Her advice to future education students is clear: “Build relationships. With your peers, with your professors, and with your students. And don’t doubt yourself — confidence changes the way you teach and how your students learn.”
Emma Codding is a graduate who carries more than a degree — she carries the values of her family, the wisdom of her mentors, and a fierce commitment to shaping young lives. As she prepares to step into her own classroom, she does so with a clear mission: to ensure every child she teaches knows what her family made sure she always knew — that they are loved, valued, and cherished.

🌟 Student Spotlight: Alexis Crow 🌟Meet Alexis Crow — a passionate future educator from Wadsworth, Ohio, and a proud grad...
06/09/2025

🌟 Student Spotlight: Alexis Crow 🌟
Meet Alexis Crow — a passionate future educator from Wadsworth, Ohio, and a proud graduate of Cloverleaf High School. Alexis just wrapped up her sophomore year at Ashland University, where she’s pursuing a dual major in Early Childhood Education and Intervention Specialist. With a heart for little learners and a drive to make a difference, Alexis’s story is one built on inspiration, passion, and purpose.
From an early age, Alexis was immersed in the world of education — literally. Her mom was a preschool teacher in the very school Alexis attended, giving her plenty of opportunities to play “school” in her mom’s classroom. At home, she set up play schools for her little sister, complete with stuffed animal students. While she once considered careers in radiology or business, her love for teaching always brought her back — it was undeniable.
Her journey has been shaped by a village of supporters including a tight-knit family of five (including her mom and dad, and sisters Merrin and Pacey), and boyfriend Collin. A standout influence was her 5th-grade teacher, Ms. Riley, who let her visit and help in her classroom, sparking a deeper understanding of what teaching could be. Encouraging high school teachers and her experience growing up in 4-H and on the Junior Fair Board have all helped her develop strong communication and leadership skills. She’s especially grateful to 4-H for teaching her how to connect with others — a skill she uses every day as an 8th-grade volleyball coach at Black River and in her many roles on campus.
At Ashland, Alexis has flourished. She gives major shout-outs to professors like Terri Jewett, whose “Intro to Teaching” class showed her the magic of STEAM education, and Dr. Ann Marie Wernick, whose literacy block has helped her dive into the Science of Reading — a movement she sees as the future of teaching. Alexis is also grateful to Dr. Maria Sargent, who not only recommended her for this spotlight but made even the toughest courses like Bio-Med fun, interactive, and thought-provoking.
She’s already making moves as a leader, stepping into an executive officer role with Ashland’s Aspiring Educators. She's attended PD weekends, leadership events, and conferences that help her go beyond the textbook — learning real-life classroom management, tech integration, and creative instructional strategies that she’s eager to carry into her own classroom.
Alexis describes her ideal teaching space as warm, welcoming, and full of flexibility — think cozy reading corners, collaborative seating, a balance of tech and hands-on learning, and a place where mistakes are part of growing. Her classroom philosophy is grounded in connection: “It’s not just about curriculum,” she says. “It’s about raising good people. Teaching kids how to be great community members starts with feeling safe and supported.”
She’s already had a taste of that dream while working in a 4th-grade classroom at Wellington McCormick Middle School — a place she absolutely loved. While she’d love to teach 3rd grade, her heart is with 2nd–4th, her self-proclaimed “sweet spot.” Long-term, she hopes to return home to Medina County and teach in her rural community.
Outside of the classroom, Alexis is always on the go — working at a bookstore, Pulp Juice & Smoothie Bar (in both Ashland and Wadsworth), and the fair office (a job she loves so much it hardly feels like work). She’s still involved in 4-H committees, adores watching all kinds of sports, and loves time outdoors. Country music concerts, a good book (thriller and romance are her favorites), and coffee or a Dr. Pepper are her go-tos for winding down.
With a solid foundation, a genuine love for learning, and a heart that beats for her community, Alexis Crow is not just preparing to be a teacher — she’s preparing to be a leader, a mentor, and a changemaker. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in her classroom and beyond. 💛🍎

🌍 Spotlight on Stephen Sena Amegah: A Global Journey with a Purpose at Ashland University 🌟From Ghana to China, Dubai, a...
06/02/2025

🌍 Spotlight on Stephen Sena Amegah: A Global Journey with a Purpose at Ashland University 🌟
From Ghana to China, Dubai, and now the United States — Stephen Sena Amegah’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. A current student in Ashland University’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century, Stephen brings a world of experience, wisdom, and heart to everything he does.
Stephen earned his first degree in Economics Education from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana in 2010. He soon took his passion for teaching across borders, spending six years in China as an English teacher, followed by three years in Dubai as an educational consultant for a Chinese company. But his vision extended even further.
In July 2024, Stephen arrived in Ashland to pursue his master’s degree, driven by a long-held dream: to return to Ghana and build a school with his sister, who is completing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in China. Their goal? To train educators and create a space where quality education shapes future generations.
Stephen is no stranger to leadership. As the oldest of five siblings, he’s always felt a deep sense of responsibility. “They would say, ‘Look at Stephen—he’s doing well. Be more like Stephen,’” he shares. It’s a role he’s honored, supporting his sister’s education and mentoring others along the way.
Teaching, he says, is something that chose him. From helping peers in high school to guiding colleagues in university, people consistently recognized his natural gift to teach. One unforgettable encouragement came from an American retiree he met in Ghana. After hearing him speak, she told him, “You have something special. Go abroad, get your degree, and then come back to change lives.” Her words stuck — and Stephen is making that vision a reality.
His experience at Ashland has had its ups and downs, but he credits key people at Ashland University for helping him find his footing. David Carl’s engaging classes, Dr. Rick Breault’s research assignments, and the warmth of Jennifer Wininger, who also spent time in China, all made an impact. Stephen also praises Jenny from International Studies for her unwavering support, and most of all, Cindy and Mike — his American host family through the CommUNITY & Belonging Program — who have welcomed him as one of their own.
Stephen’s coursework has already sparked big ideas. A project comparing educational systems in Ghana, China, and Finland opened his eyes to global best practices. Another paper explored how AI can enhance classroom participation, a topic he believes will shape the future of education.
With roughly 12 years in education and a deep commitment to making a difference, Stephen is determined to bring back everything he’s learning. His long-term goal is to complete his Ph.D. in Educational Management and build an international school in Ghana. He plans to split his time between the U.S. and Ghana, teaching, learning, and giving back.
Outside the classroom, Stephen loves English football (he’s a loyal Chelsea fan ⚽), listening to gospel music, and reflecting quietly in his room. He enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending quality time with his American family. Though he sometimes feels the weight of being far from home, his mission keeps him grounded.
His greatest motivation? His 8-year-old son, Jesse-Conte, who remains in Ghana. Stephen dreams of bringing him to the U.S. soon — to see snow, to play, and most importantly, to learn and grow in the same environment that’s shaping his father.
To future international students, Stephen offers this advice:
“Have a plan. Choose your path wisely. Know what you want — and let your education take you there.”
Stephen Sena Amegah is more than a master’s student. He’s a mentor, a visionary, and a bridge between nations — using education to lift others and build a legacy rooted in love, leadership, and learning. 🌟📚

We are incredibly proud to shine the spotlight on Marian Bryant, a standout graduate student in Ashland University's Mas...
05/22/2025

We are incredibly proud to shine the spotlight on Marian Bryant, a standout graduate student in Ashland University's Master of Education in Educational Leadership program within the College of Education.
Hailing from the small rural city of Ashtabula, Ohio, Marian’s journey has been one of grit, grace, and unstoppable determination. After earning her bachelor’s and a first master’s in Curriculum & Instruction elsewhere, Marian came to Ashland to pursue educational leadership—and she didn’t stop there. While initially pursuing licensure only, she realized she was just a few classes away from another degree and thought, “Why not?” Now, she’s completing her second master’s with purpose and pride.
Marian completed her leadership preparation through a partnership with Ashland University, Columbus City Schools and the Wallace Foundation. She’s now in a leadership intern program—or as she calls it, “a principal in training.” Learning under the mentorship of the phenomenal Principal Shannon E. Tucker and retired Principal Maria Stockard who are both mentor principals that curate the experiences that Marian is getting a front-row seat to the intricacies of school leadership.
And she’s already making big moves—she passed her principal licensure exam at all three levels in December and is now part of the internal administrative pool for Columbus City Schools. Her next role? Still unfolding. But one thing is clear: Marian is ready.
Before stepping into leadership, Marian spent years teaching Spanish across elementary, middle, and high school levels in both Cleveland and Columbus. Before that, she made an impact in the nonprofit world as the lead educator at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, leading outreach and curriculum programs with passion.
What inspires Marian? Her roots with whom she shares her namesake.. She credits her mother and grandmother—both educators in their own right—as her first role models. Her Mom volunteered to teach English to speakers of other languages at the neighborhood Korean Presbyterian Church. Her grandmother was a neighborhood educator long before titles made it official. As a first-generation college and master’s graduate, Marian plans to become a first-generation doctoral graduate one day.
She’s fueled by purpose and faith. She wants every child she encounters to see possibility, just as her teachers once helped her see it—especially those who didn’t look like her but still inspired her deeply. Now, Marian hopes to help students and colleagues turn big audacious dreams into reality through exposure, experience, access, and opportunity..
A proud Mom herself, Marian is especially grateful for the support of her village—her Mom, siblings AJ and Jazzy, her Dad, mentors, Jaquetta, Tenecia, Andrew, Atia, and her son Isaac, who is always front and center in her heart. Her ability to balance rigorous academics, motherhood, and leadership is a testament to her drive. She maps out family "non-negotiables" and ensures intentional time with her son while still giving 100% to her professional growth.
She lives by this philosophy:
“Do it well, and then do more.”
Or as she puts it professionally:
“If you're entrusted with a space—improve it.”
She’s passionate about middle school education, where she hopes to grow her career as an assistant principal, eventually moving into a principalship. Her long-term dream? Becoming an area superintendent, inspired by leaders like Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent of Columbus City Schools. Marian admires Dr. Chapman for her calm strength, transparency, and fearless advocacy—qualities Marian herself embodies and aspires to deepen.
She’s also grateful for the mentorship of professors like Dr. Copeland, Dr. Short, Dr. Farrenkopf, Professor Klinger and Dr. Kormos at Ashland, who pushed her, inspired her, and helped her grow into the reflective, systems-thinking leader she is today.
Marian encourages all aspiring leaders to:
✅ Prioritize time and map out responsibilities
✅ Build a strong network and learn from others
✅ See challenges from multiple perspectives
✅ Stay open, reflective, and always improving
Whether it’s at home, in the classroom, or leading a school—Marian shows up with heart, intellect, and impact. When she’s not shaping the future of education, you’ll find her enjoying the Columbus Museum of Art, exploring nature, or supporting local festivals and small businesses.
Marian shared, “The source of my inner strength comes from my faith in God. This core allows me to push past the hurdles of life. I can do what needs to be done, where it needs to be done, and how it needs to be done because of a God who sustains, protects, and provides. I will always acknowledge that and keep it at the heart of what I do.” Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:13
🎉 On May 3rd, Marian Bryant crossed the stage at Ashland University, not only as a graduate but as a changemaker, leader, mother, and inspiration.
Please join us in celebrating Marian’s incredible accomplishments and the bright future ahead of her. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll continue to make—wherever she leads next! 💜

🌟 Meet Savanna Mahaffey! 🌟Savanna Mahaffey, known to many as "Sav," is a sophomore at Ashland University’s Dwight Schar ...
05/13/2025

🌟 Meet Savanna Mahaffey! 🌟
Savanna Mahaffey, known to many as "Sav," is a sophomore at Ashland University’s Dwight Schar College of Education, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education with dual licensure as an Intervention Specialist. Hailing from Denison, Ohio, Sav is not only a dedicated student but also a passionate athlete—cheering on the football sideline team and performing with the honor stunt team.
Her love for teaching started in 7th grade, inspired by her English teacher, Mrs. Wagner—an Ashland alumna—who made reading engaging and exciting. But her heart for children runs even deeper, shaped by her role as a big sister figure to her young cousins, Mikelle and Malloni. When they called her their "best backup mommy," it sparked a commitment in Savanna to create a safe and loving space for all her future students, no matter their background.
Coming from a large family, Savanna is proud to be the first in her family to go away to college and be a student-athlete. She was drawn to Ashland not just for its top-tier education program but also because of the encouragement from her high school cheer coach—another AU alum and a member of Delta Zeta, just like Savanna is now! She visited the campus five times before committing, falling in love with its beauty and atmosphere.
At AU, Savanna has been deeply inspired by her professors, especially Professor Terri Jewett, whose kindness, patience, and masterful teaching reignited her passion for education. Dr. Jason Ellis, her advisor, has also played a huge role in her growth, giving her real classroom experiences through hands-on lessons and simulations. Savanna believes that great teachers embody kindness, patience, respect, and determination—and she strives to be just that.
Balancing academics, athletics, and personal goals, Savanna is highly organized and sets high standards for herself. She’s determined to turn a high C into a solid B and sticks to her priorities daily, ensuring she excels in her studies. Looking ahead, she’s both excited and nervous about her upcoming field experiences but knows that pushing past her fears will make her a stronger teacher.
Her advice to new students? Manage your time wisely, prioritize studies, and take advantage of the many resources at Ashland. “There’s no shame in getting help—it’s what will make you better,” she says.
Outside of academics and cheer, Savanna finds joy in drawing, reading, and spending quality time with her family—especially her mom Heather, dad Sean, and brother Thayne. Her faith is a cornerstone of her life, and she actively participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, often turning to her Bible for moments of reflection. She holds dear the words of her aunt: "Every day is a good day that you’re alive". On challenging days, she envisions her late grandfather cheering her on and reminding her to embrace each moment.
Looking to the future, Savanna dreams of becoming a teacher who makes a difference and hopes to coach high school cheerleading wherever she ends up. She’s determined to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Savanna Mahaffey is truly a shining example of dedication, heart, and passion at Ashland University. We can’t wait to see the incredible impact she will make in the world of education! 💜📚✨

Ashland University's College of Education students from the EDCI 317 course worked with 7th and 8th grade students in th...
05/06/2025

Ashland University's College of Education students from the EDCI 317 course worked with 7th and 8th grade students in their STEAM classroom at Hillsdale. They worked building and coding Lego SPIKE Prime Robots. The robots were purchased through a grant written by AU faculty Dr. Amy Crawford and Dr. Erik Kormos. The school lead was Dave Baker, who is Hillsdale's STEAM coordinator.
It looks like a great time was had by all!

🎉 Spotlight on Sydney Vidmar – Future Educator Extraordinaire! 🍎📚 From playing school with her stuffed animals to leadin...
05/05/2025

🎉 Spotlight on Sydney Vidmar – Future Educator Extraordinaire! 🍎📚
From playing school with her stuffed animals to leading first-grade reading groups, Sydney Vidmar’s path to becoming a teacher has been one full of purpose, passion, and perseverance.
Sydney hails from Wadsworth, Ohio, and is currently completing her student teaching at Hazel Harvey Elementary School in Chippewa Local Schools. As a proud Eagle at Ashland University, Sydney is majoring in Primary Grades Education (Pre-K–5) with a dual licensure in Intervention Specialist—and she’s thriving in a role that lets her split her time between general education and intervention settings.
This spring, she’s been deep into first-grade reading, diving into phonics and early literacy instruction, and loving the chance to differentiate lessons to meet the needs of all learners. Her passion for literacy, inclusion, and student success shines in everything she does.
Sydney always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Influential teachers like her fourth-grade neighbor, Mrs. Daull, and the inspiring Mrs. Capotosta (of Get Your Teach On fame) played pivotal roles in shaping her dreams. Add to that her mom’s nurturing spirit and her family’s unwavering support—especially from her parents and sisters Jordin and Madison—and it’s clear that teaching is in Sydney’s heart.
Sydney’s connection to Ashland University runs deep. Inspired by her sister Jordin, an AU alum, Sydney fell in love with Ashland’s warm community, small class sizes, and rich opportunities. She’s especially grateful for professors like Terri Jewett, whom she calls “the kindest, sweetest professor ever,” and Dr. Maria Sargent, whose expertise has empowered Sydney to deeply understand student learning challenges.
She speaks highly of her Ashland experience—highlighting the safe and encouraging environment, hands-on learning, and professors who not only teach but believe in their students. Sydney credits her time at Ashland with preparing her to confidently create and adapt lessons, connect with all learners, and collaborate meaningfully with colleagues and families.
Looking ahead, Sydney hopes to return to Wadsworth or stay at Chippewa, where she’s currently teaching. Her dream? To become a second grade language arts teacher, blending her love of phonics with her special education skills to make a real difference in young readers’ lives. She's also passionate about IEP writing, data analysis, and supporting students who learn differently.
Her advice to future education students?
💬 “Build meaningful connections. Volunteer, get involved, and be enthusiastic about learning. Work closely with your professors and take advantage of every opportunity they give you.”
Sydney also shares that while the first year of teaching may bring challenges—like discovering which classroom management strategies work best—she's ready. She’s researching, observing, and reflecting, all in preparation to create a classroom culture grounded in respect, structure, and joy.
Outside of school, Sydney knows the importance of balance. She works hard, but carves out time for herself, family hikes, travels (hello, spring break in Florida! 🌴), cozy living room chats, and moments with her incredible support system—including her amazing best friends Laney Eller and Ciera Trent, and her supportive fiancé.
To know Sydney is to see a future full of inspired students, inclusive classrooms, and lifelong impact. Her heart for education, her willingness to grow, and her love for children make her an exceptional future teacher—and one Ashland is proud to call their own.
We’re cheering for you, Sydney! 🦅✨ Your journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

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