Karen Gluskin
Inclusive Elementary and Special Education, concentration in People, Places, and Society; '11
Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL
Why did you choose the School of Education at SU?
I chose the School of Education at SU because I felt it was important to have a variety of experiences in different classroom settings. Also, since it is an inclusive program, I was able to learn about and be certified in both general and special education. The program at Syracuse allowed me to get involved in a classroom from my first semester, and I have observed and taught in different settings and grade levels. This has increased my confidence in the classroom as I have gained experience and learned important strategies. Also, the faculty in the school are extremely supportive and care about their students' best interests. I know I can go to anyone when I have questions, and they will help me look for answers.
What has been the most valuable learning experience in your time here?
My most valuable learning experience at SU was being selected as a Spector/Warren Fellow. By traveling to the Holocaust Museum in Houston, listening to speakers, and critically thinking and discussing about a variety of issues related to the Holocaust, I was exposed to many new ideas and increased my understanding about the complexity of the events and the people involved. As a result of this experience, I realize how important it is to teach future generations the many lessons that can be learned from the Holocaust so we never forget what happened and can learn how to treat and respect each other in everyday life.
What are your plans for when you leave SU?
I am still deciding exactly what I want to do when I leave SU. I will either attend graduate school or look for a job as an elementary school teacher.
What is a favorite memory of your SU School of Education experience?
My favorite memories are being in a classroom and teaching lessons where students interact with each other and discover their own learning. When I taught a lesson about how the planets revolve around the sun, students loved researching about the different planets and learning many new facts. They then created a class model of the solar system. All the students were extremely excited, engaged, and wanted to participate. It was a great feeling knowing I made this experience possible and helped them develop a new passion about space.