Alexis Stephens is graduating from Mercer University’s Tift College Education with a Master of Arts in Teaching in middle grades education.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue to teach in middle school. I will be starting my education specialist degree at Mercer in the fall so that I can continue to be the best educator for the students of Bibb County.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I loved each professor in the College of Education. Dr. Lucy Bush, Dr. Katherine Perrotta and Dr. Matthew Sroka were all great at what they did for me on this path.
What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?
Being able to attend classes in person. I was an MAT student, so I worked as well as went to school. At first, most of my classes were at the Atlanta campus, so being able to drive to class from Macon and actually interact face-to-face with my education peers was always worth the drive. I’ve met some awesome educators from throughout the state and remained friends with a few of them after the semester was over.
What was your favorite class and why?
Dr. Sroka’s class on literacy across the contents because it gave me better insight on how I can incorporate the foundations of literacy in social studies as well as implementing into the secondary field.
How do you plan on changing the world?
One student/child at a time. I have always taught my students real life lessons throughout my teaching career and shown them how to apply the skills they learn in the classroom to the world outside of it. I instill in them that education is the key to unlocking the world, and they can achieve whatever they set their minds to do.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Create a schedule that is manageable and stay organized. You have to set your priorities at the beginning of each semester and stick to your why for continuing your education.
What makes Mercer special to you?
The closeness of the community as well as a sense of family. The professors in the Tift College of Education are knowledgeable and discussed several real life strategies that are used in the classroom. This is the reason I choose to return for my specialist degree. There is such a great sense of family and support that was displayed that it makes you want to return and continue your education.
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