Breanna Johnson-Anderson (COE alum ‘16) had two job offers two days following graduation. She was definitely prepared for her classroom assignments and leadership opportunities! Recently, Breanna discussed the UA teaching program with her parents. She shared the experiences gained in her practicum rotations, which she had in various types of school placements (special education, rural, inner city, and schools with an abundance of resources) were great experiences in regards to what to expect in real classroom settings. The evaluations and real time feedback received from experienced teachers and the College of Education faculty were essential to her professional development.
The in-classroom student-teacher experiences assigned students, early in their academic process, was invaluable. Many students were able to identify early in their college life if education was the profession for them or not. The COST Program (an overseas teaching exchange program) was extremely beneficial because it provided exposure to a variety of international, cultural, and educational protocols and allowed students to take advantage of different cultural norms that could be applied to their future teaching positions. Breanna had the opportunity to complete her final teaching assignment in Auckland, New Zealand.
Breanna believed that the College of Education has good diversity within the teaching staff, unlike her previous elementary and high school faculty.
Completing the well-rounded experience, Breanna was accepted in the Avanti Program for student leaders. This program welcomed new students to the campus prior to classes starting. Her fellow Avanti students remain close friends years after graduating.
After only three years of professional classroom teaching, Breanna was selected as Teacher of the Year at St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School in Decatur, Georgia.
Breanna was selected by her peers for her constant willingness to help lead and encourage her fellow teachers and students. Breanna focuses on building relationships in the classroom with her students from the first day of school. She is a diligent and hard worker who is willing to go above and beyond for every student who she is in contact with.