We recently spoke with Elizabeth Becker, who graduated from UNC on May 8, 2021, at the UNC Center for Urban Education in Denver. Here, she tells us a bit about what she’s been up to leading up to graduation, lessons learned in the last year, and plans for the future.
Area of Emphasis
Elizabeth studied elementary education with an emphasis in special education. This past year, she worked as an Education Assistant and student taught second grade in Douglas County.
Lessons Learned
We asked Elizabeth what valuable lessons she had learned about teaching and learning as a result of completing her last year of school and paraprofessional work in the midst of the pandemic. “I learned how important it is to be kind to yourself,” Elizabeth explained. “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of self-care and finding a balance between reflecting on what could be better and celebrating what we are proud of. Especially as new teachers, it is difficult not to compare ourselves to others, which can lead to negative self-talk. During my student teaching experience, though, I was surrounded by people who encouraged me to always find time to think about the positives.”
Elizabeth said that despite the challenges of student teaching in a pandemic, she built strong relationships with her students, helped them achieve their goals, and had fun. “I learned to take time to remember the positives, no matter what happens,” said Elizabeth, “and I know that lesson will guide me throughout my career.”
At Home
Elizabeth has three cats named Bella, Sam, and Autumn, plus a Dachshund–King Charles Spaniel mix named Teddy that she rescued right before COVID-19 arrived in the U.S.
Elizabeth has two sisters, one younger and one older. Believe it or not, they all graduated this semester! Older sister Sophia graduated with a master's degree from the Colorado School of Mines. Younger sister Gretchen graduated from Highlands Ranch High School and will be off to Vassar College in New York in August. “It has been so fun to celebrate all three of us,” Elizabeth said.
Future Plans
“My plans are still up in the air right now,” Elizabeth said when we asked her what the near future will bring. She’s applying to several Colorado school districts and is aiming to teach second, third, or fourth grade. “But I'm open to whatever is meant to be,” she added.
When we asked what she’s most looking forward to in this first year of teaching, Elizabeth said, “Finding myself as a teacher. Although I made great strides in my confidence as a student teacher, the first classroom is still a big step.” She wants a chance to build relationships with her new students and create a community where everyone feels safe.
She also said she’s looking forward to trying new experiments and techniques to see what works and what doesn't—from her perspective and the perspective of her students. “All that to say I’m looking forward to being adventurous and figuring out what works for me and my class,” Elizabeth added.
We wish Elizabeth Becker and all UNC 2021 graduates the very best as they start their teaching careers.
