Honors student Emma Moore ’25, a secondary education and history major, always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Thanks to a rich array of teaching, mentoring and on-campus job opportunities, she has professional options: to teach middle school history or pursue a master’s degree in student affairs administration at the University of Georgia (UGA).
“When I got into Berry, it was a no-brainer that I would be an education major,” Emma says. “I chose Berry specifically because we are the only program with lab schools in Georgia, and I wanted to start being in the classroom with students as soon as possible.”
Emma completed one semester with 154 contact hours and another with 350 hours while teaching 10th grade social studies at Model High School in Rome, Georgia.
“Through my coursework at Berry, I have been able to learn important things about developmental psychology, linguistics, classroom management, lesson planning and curriculum that I implement in my classroom on a daily basis,” she says. “One of my favorite parts about student teaching is being able to see my students grow and thrive in and out of the classroom. I love being able to go to their games, shows and competitions and cheer them on.”
Emma’s field experience extended internationally during a summer study abroad program in Japan for the diverse cultures class, led by her honors thesis advisor, Professor of Teacher Education Chang Pu.
“Although this was a completely new experience, I learned how to connect with students using more than words or language” she explains. “When we weren’t teaching, we were able to fully immerse in the Japanese culture by trying new foods, visiting temples and landmarks and, most excitingly, participating in a cultural exchange with Japanese college students at Setsunan University.”
Beyond the classroom, Emma discovered a passion for student mentorship through her LifeWorks position as a first-year mentor. Under the guidance of Associate Dean of Students Lindsey Norman, she helped freshmen transition to college, an experience that reshaped her career outlook.
“Because of Lindsey Norman and the first-year mentor program, I got accepted into UGA’s master’s program in student affairs administration and am seriously considering a career in higher education post-grad,” she says. “That being said, the skills that I learned and had the time to develop in my position as a first-year mentor will be nothing but helpful if I pursue a career in education.”
Mentorship has been a defining pillar of Emma’s college experience. In addition to Pu and Norman, Associate Professor of History Christy Snider played a pivotal role in her growth.
“I knew immediately that I wanted to work with her after reading her CV and seeing that she was also interested in women’s history,” Emma says. “Flash forward to my senior year, and Dr. Snider and I have worked together multiple times in multiple ways. During my four years at Berry, I have been Dr. Snider’s student, teacher’s assistant, student worker, research mentee and first-year mentor.”
Emma emphasizes Berry’s dedication to professional development: “Berry provides you with the background knowledge, the hands-on experience and the mentors needed to truly thrive as an educator, whether that is in a traditional classroom or perhaps in a non-traditional space like a higher ed student affairs office.”
Story by senior Audrey Bennett
