As a second-year integrated elementary and special education major in University of Hartford’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), Ryan has combined his passion for teaching, leadership, and music into a college experience centered on creativity and community.
Ryan discovered his passion for education while working as a counselor at a summer day camp during his junior year of high school.
“I fell in love with working with kids,” Ryan says. “Whether that’s having fun with them at camp or working with them in a classroom, most of the time it doesn’t even feel like work at all.”
Since arriving at UHart, Ryan has immersed himself in both academic and extracurricular opportunities that have strengthened his confidence as a future educator. He serves as an ENHP Ambassador, where he connects with prospective students and shares his experiences within the education program.
“I enjoy working at Accepted Student Days because I get to meet future education students and share the awesome experience I’ve had at UHart,” he says.
Ryan Ricks ‘28, Integrated elementary and special education program student, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsUHart gives you opportunities for classroom experience as soon as you arrive. That experience has made me feel much more comfortable about starting my student teaching and future career.
Outside the classroom, Ryan is actively involved in Redtail Records, performing live music on and off campus as a bassist for several student artists.
“One of my favorite memories was playing two three-hour off-campus shows back-to-back with student artist Katie Kelly,” Ryan shares. “We were exhausted afterward, but it was worth every second.”
Ryan credits UHart’s hands-on learning opportunities with helping him feel prepared for his future career in education. In just two years, he has already completed approximately 75 hours of classroom observation experience.
“UHart gives you opportunities to get classroom experience as soon as you arrive,” Ryan says. “That experience has made me feel much more comfortable about starting my student teaching and future career.”
As part of his classroom observation experience, Ryan currently works in a first-grade classroom at a West Hartford public elementary school each Friday, where he assists students and builds relationships with both the class and teacher.
“I love spending time with the kids at lunch and recess,” he says. “The teacher even offered to have me come back as a student teacher in the future.”
Ryan has also worked as a summer day camp counselor since 2022 and will step into a new leadership role this summer as a CIT Coordinator.
“I had such a great experience with my group of fourth-grade campers that sometimes I forgot it was even a job,” Ryan says. “This year, I knew it was time to take on more leadership responsibilities to continue growing professionally.”
Ryan says the people he has met at UHart have made the biggest impact on his college experience.
“My favorite part about UHart is the people,” he explains. “I’ve met my best friends, incredibly talented student teachers, musicians, filmmakers, and staff members who have supported my career development.”
One faculty member who has played an especially important role in Ryan’s journey is Jillian Cavanna. Ryan worked closely with Professor Cavanna as a preceptor, or undergraduate teaching assistant, for a first-year elementary math course.
“This experience has given me the opportunity to work with a new age group of students and has led me to consider a math-specific career path,” Ryan says.
After graduation, Ryan plans to pursue a teaching position in a public elementary or middle school in the West Hartford area while continuing his education through a master’s degree program.
Outside of academics, Ryan enjoys performing music, spending time with friends and family, playing games, doing puzzles, and running.
Looking back on his experience so far, Ryan says UHart has helped him grow personally and professionally while preparing him for a future in education.