In the College of Education, we are building better futures for all! We do this through outstanding teaching, innovative and impactful research, and meaningful outreach in four departments: Curriculum & Teaching; Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology; Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling; and the School of Kinesiology.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do. They are future educators, trainers, health professionals and leaders who will have an impact in schools, medical facilities, industry and society as a whole.
Maddy Messick, president of the college’s Student Ambassadors, is a junior majoring in elementary education. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Maddy plans to return to Baldwin County to teach elementary school students after graduating in 2025.
Why Auburn?
I’ve always loved Auburn. Every year I would go to the Auburn homecoming football game and every year I would reassure myself that it was the school for me. Auburn is so welcoming and everyone here is just so supportive.
What is your favorite thing about the college and your department?
I love how big Auburn is, but how small it feels. It can be overwhelming at first because there’s a big difference between a college campus and high school. The College of Education makes the student experience so welcoming. By this I mean that you aren’t necessarily in the huge classes you would expect. Once you get accepted into the college, you are broken up into cohorts and you will stay with that cohort until graduation. Not only will you graduate with your classmates, but you will also graduate with supportive, lasting friends who have watched you develop throughout all four years.
What is your favorite class? How big are your classes?
I absolutely love all the elementary math classes. It’s so cool relearning all the material in ways that will help you teach in the future. My classes are not big at all. When you take your basics, you’ll most likely have a lot of people in your class, but once you get into your curriculum, your classes usually have 25-30 students each.
Do you get any kind of real-world experience in the College of Education?
Yes! One of my favorite things about the College of Education is that you are required to have five consecutive days of teaching before you can even apply to the college. This will help you see if it’s something you really want to do in the future. You will also have lots of other required times to be in a classroom.
What are some perks to being a College of Education student?
I love being a College of Education student because of the smaller classes. I love getting to know everyone around me and hearing about what ideas they have for their future classrooms. I also love our college because there are so many ways to be involved. I am currently a Student Ambassador and I have met so many amazing alumni through this experience.
Goals after graduation?
My goal after graduation is to be the best teacher I can be. I want to make a difference in the lives of every child who comes through my classroom. Not only do I want to be a great teacher, but I also want to make sure each child feels welcomed and loved.
Through instruction, research, outreach and service, Auburn’s College of Education is transforming health and education as we equip students like Maddy to have an impact in our communities and the world.
Want to know more? Visit our website or contact our recruiter for more information at edurec@auburn.edu.