Real-world experience gives education major an edge

Danielle Franklin says 窪蹋勛圖厙���s Department of Early Childhood Education set her up for success.

Danielle Franklin

Ever since she was a kindergartener, Danielle Franklin knew what she wanted to do with her life. Thanks to a great kindergarten teacher, Danielle was determined to work in early childhood education.  

And when it came time to pick a college, she was just as sure of where she wanted to get her education.

���I knew Towson University had the best possible program for teacher education,��� remembers the Prince George���s County native. 

Franklin found out first-hand that she was right. 

Offering opportunities for real-world teaching experience, a supportive and knowledgeable faculty, and highly relevant course work, the Department of Early Childhood Education, says Franklin, ���really sets you up for success.���

��� You learn best through experience. ���

Danielle Franklin

The graduating senior is particularly grateful for the relationship she has developed with her 窪蹋勛圖厙 supervisor Amy McDowell, whose expertise Franklin calls, ���outstanding.���

���Since the beginning, she has been very helpful and a big resource whenever I need her. Whether I���m struggling in the classroom or struggling to find a way to reach the children that I teach, she���s literally always there.���

Another way the department prepares students, says Franklin, is through its annual Education Recruitment Fair, connecting 窪蹋勛圖厙 students with school representatives from across the state. 

���You set up interviews and talk to these people and find out where you want to teach and why you want to teach there.��� 

Most important, though, according to Franklin, are the opportunities for real-world experience, like her full-time teaching semester at Reisterstown Elementary School, where she has the chance to apply a solid theoretical foundation to the reality of helping children learn day to day. 

���That���s been the biggest help,��� says Franklin, ���because you learn best through experience.���

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