Kelsey Galevich ’22 studies hard, plays softball, does fieldwork, and student teaches. She has managed to do it all over the past four years at UHart and although she’ll graduate in May, she’s not yet finished achieving. “I plan to return to UHart to play my fifth year of softball and get my master's degree in special education,” she says when asked about future plans.
As a student in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions’ Integrated Elementary and Special Education program, Galevich will earn two teaching certifications in just four years. This will open doors to more career options because she’ll be eligible for certification in elementary education (grades K-6) and special education (grades K-12).
The program gives students an in-depth understanding of exceptionalities and knowledge of the developmental, cognitive, academic, and social needs of students. Galevich says she was inspired to pursue education because of “My love for children and the desire to change the world through teaching."
Beginning her first year, she received supervised experience in a fourth-grade class at the University of Hartford Magnet School on campus. She also completed student teaching during her senior year at E.B. Kennelly School in Hartford in general education and Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy in special education. As a result, she made important connections with principals and schools in the area. She says “field experience and in-depth learning opportunities” at UHart have prepared her for graduate school.
“The unconditional support offered by staff, program directors, along with the community have made a difference in my UHart experience,” says Galevich of her four years on campus.
What are some of her favorite memories outside the classroom? She remembers fondly both softball and her friends. Her advice to incoming students is simple: “Make friends, go out, have fun. School is your first priority but these are the years you will never forget!”
Kelsey Galevich, Integrated Elementary and Special EducationMake friends, go out, have fun. School is your first priority but these are the years you will never forget!”