Sophia La Porta
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Boalsburg, PA
Position: President
Why I want to teach: School has always been something I really enjoyed, and I have been lucky enough to have teachers who always supported me. In middle school I began helping out in the Special Ed classroom and could immediately see myself doing it as a career. The teacher was so kind to all of her students, and welcomed volunteers into her classroom so that her students could create more friendships. Ultimately, I want to be that supportive and kind teacher for all of my future student's, and make school something they look forward to each day!
Goals & Aspirations: I want to enjoy my time here at Clemson University, and learn from all of my experiences here. I plan on participating in the teacher residency program to get a masters degree. After graduation I look forward to having my own classroom and making an impact on the lives of my students.
Saylor Judy
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Branchville, SC
Position: Communications Chair
Why I want to teach: Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher! I can remember teaching my homework to my little brother in my playhouse, which I thought was a school. Teaching and helping others have always been passions of mine and I can't wait to see what I can do with them in the future! I love kids and being a part of their lives! I love the idea that students get to come to school and I have the opportunity to change their lives each day. I love to watch students grow over the course of the school year. It is simply so rewarding! I just hope to help as many students as possible! It's truly the students that change my life daily.
Goals & Aspirations: After attaining my B.A. in Special Education, I want to get my masters in Speech Pathology! My goal is to work in schools while in grad school so that I never have to leave the school setting! After getting my masters, I hope to work one on one with students and create my own day to day schedule.
Sami Rosi
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Florence, SC
Position: Treasurer
Why I want to teach: I want to teach special education specifi cally because I want to be able to make a difference in students' lives. I want to let them know that they are important and cared for and have the right to the same education as their peers. My brother actually inspired me to become a special education teacher as he has autism. I have seen the ways in which school has failed to provide him with an adequate education and I want to change that.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to create inclusive environments for all students. I want to share my love for education with all students and get them passionate about something that I am passionate about.
Logan Hunter (Inclusion and Excellence Chair)
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Seneca, SC
Why I want to teach: I want every student I come in contact with to feel loved, equal and welcome. It's very important to me that all students feel this way; that drives my passion to become a teacher.
Goals & Aspirations: I want to become a superintendent and open an education law firm!
Caleb Blackston
Major: Elementary Education / Youth Development
Hometown: Easley, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach to make a difference in students' lives. I have always had educators who have pushed me to be my best, and I want to be that for my students. I want all my students (and those I do not teach) to feel loved and valued and know they belong and are important.
Goals & Aspirations: I want to continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone and getting involved on campus and the College of Education. After graduating, I hope to be accepted to the Teacher Residency program to earn my Master's degree.
Reilly Sparks
Major: Mathematics Teaching
Hometown: Hendersonville, NC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I believe that every student should feel like they belong in their classroom. I am committed to creating a classroom environment that will make every student feel loved and cared for. I will show my students empathy and understanding, ensuring that all of my students know they can come to me when they need support. I also want to show students that it is okay to make mistakes and help them diminish any anxiety they may have with solving math problems and build their confidence with problem-solving.
Goals & Aspirations: After earning my degree in Math Teaching, I want to teach at a high school. I am not sure yet where, but I know I want to get involved with the community, learn from their experiences, and find ways to give back through education and service.
Ella Jones
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Why I want to teach: Since as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of being a teacher. I would set up my playroom to be a pretend classroom and I would play teacher for hours. I would even help teach my little brothers their homework. Teaching has always been something that I have admired because of how impactful my past teachers were. The amount of love and support they treated each student with was something that was unforgettable. Those teachers truly shaped who I am today, and it is because of them that I am pursuing a teaching degree!
Goals & Aspirations: I want to make the most of my time at Clemson by learning and growing from every experience and opportunity I am given. After graduation, I hope to pursue my master's degree and go on to teach a 1st grade class! In my future classroom, I hope to support, inspire, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of all of my students!
Ella Lowery
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because of my love for education and helping others. Becoming a teacher has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I love working with kids and can not wait to do it every day. I want to be a support system and develop a positive learning environment for all my students. I also want to be a role model and help shape future generations.
Goals & Aspirations: I will graduate in the spring of 2026 and hopefully be accepted into Clemson's Teacher residency program to earn my master's degree. After my 5th year, I would love to teach second grade in South Carolina.
Temarrian Davis
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Dillon, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach to be an advocate of change in future generations. I feel that for these students to make the best of themselves, they need proper images to look up to.
Goals & Aspirations: My biggest goal is to be able to teach my first lesson plan to my 3rd-grade class.
Ellanor Lynch (Internal Realtions Chair)
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Why I want to teach: Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I enjoy being around people and interacting with children. I love meeting new people and learning new things. Becoming an educator will provide me with an opportunity to serve children and help them prosper.
Goals & Aspirations: Once I finish my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, I plan to complete my Teacher Residency at Clemson University. After graduating, I hope to become an Elementary School teacher back home in Charleston and travel during the summers.
Caroline Coleman
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Why I want to teach: The teachers that I have had over the years have inspired me to pursue a career where I can share my love of learning, empower students to use their voice to make a difference, and create an environment where students feel comfortable to challenge themselves. I hope to not only serve as an educator but also as a role model for our future generations!
Goals & Aspirations: After graduation, I hope to earn my Master’s Degree through the Teacher Residency Program and eventually have my own classroom! My goal is to one day earn a PhD and have a job in educational leadership.
Reese Jernigan
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Irmo, SC
Why I want to teach: I have known I have wanted to be a teacher since elementary school. The main reason why I want to teach is to give younger kids a solid foundation in the basics of all subject areas that they learn in elementary school. This will benefit them as they get to more difficult material in middle and high school. I also want to make school a fun and welcoming environment; that way, they associate positive feelings with school throughout their childhood and adolescence.
Goals & Aspirations: After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a master's in educational leadership. After I have pursued my educational goals, I want to teach somewhere here in South Carolina, and I would love to teach upper elementary!
Coker Berry Street
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Pawleys Island, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to be a teacher so that I can provide a safe place and loving environment for all students, as well as help them grow into the best versions of themselves.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to make school a place where students want to come to learn and be themselves. I want to be a guiding hand leading them to a better future.
Noelle Ealey
Major: Secondary Education & Mathematics
Hometown: Pendleton, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to change students' perspectives about math and help them realize that they don’t have to struggle with it. Many students dread math and have already made up their mind that they aren’t good at it or aren’t a “math person.” I want to rebuild students' confidence regarding math and see them succeed. Math is extremely important in everyday life and in the workforce, so I hope to be able to adequately prepare students and maybe even help them discover that they have a passion for math too!
Goals & Aspirations: During my time here at Clemson, I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and get involved with as much as I can! I hope to build connections with my peers while also preparing myself for my career in education! After graduation, I hope to participate in the Teacher Residency Program and get my master's degree. I plan to stay in South Carolina and be a high school math teacher!
Madison McAlister
Major: Secondary Education & Social Studies
Hometown: Pamplico, SC
Why I want to teach: I knew that I wanted to become a teacher at a very early age. I was extremely lucky growing up because I had so many amazing teachers. These teachers helped shape me into the person that I am today and I want to be able to help others the same way my teachers helped me. So I ultimately chose education because I want to be a positive role model to my students and help them become the best versions of themselves. I am so excited to be pursuing my dream career at Clemson and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Goals & Aspirations: During my time at Clemson, I want to continue to push myself to be the best that I can be and to get more involved in things around campus. After graduation I hope to move back to my hometown and teach high school history at my alma mater. I hope to be able to teach at the school I grew up in because I want to give back to the community that helped shape me as an individual.
Lu Wilder
Major: Modern Language Education
Minor: American Sign Language
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Why I want to teach: I’ve always had a passion for teaching and I love helping someone learn something new!
Goals & Aspirations: I hope to work in a Deaf school and get more people to learn ASL!
Taylor Felipe (Communications Chair)
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Educational Interpreting
Hometown: Wilton, CT
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because since I was little, my mom, also a teacher, has inspired me to help kids, by teaching. It is so special to get to see the direct impact you have on a person through teaching and to see how your work can affect others positively. I love helping people and I think teaching is a great profession for this.
Goals & Aspirations: Continuing in my next three and a half years at Clemson, I want to become more involved in the College of Education as well as in my sorority, Kappa Delta. Following my graduation from Clemson, I hope to get my master's and become a 1st grade teacher!
Lily Carr
Major: Secondary Education Mathematics
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Why I want to teach: I want to teach to be able to make a difference in a child's life. Teachers are huge role models and I can't wait to be one.
Goals & Aspirations: I hope to become a math teacher and teach math in a fun way to make students not hate it as much!
Liza Morris
Major: Secondary Education in English
Hometown: Florence, SC
Why I want to teach: I've always known I wanted to pursue a career in education from the impact that my teachers have had on me throughout my entire life! I'm very passionate about creating a lifelong love of learning in each of my future student's lives like my teachers have done for me, and caring about my students both in and out of the classroom.
Goals & Aspirations: I plan to graduate with my Bachelor's degree in 2027 and go on to complete the Bachelor's to Master's teacher residency program! I hope to eventually teach high school English somewhere near the coast of South Carolina!
Jordan Colombo
Major: Middle Level Education– Math and Science
Hometown: Scranton, PA
Why I want to teach: I have wanted to teach since my sophomore year of high school. I have always had teachers who have cared for me and I want to have the same impact on future generations of students. I want to inspire students to be excited to learn everyday and I can’t wait to have a classroom in the future!
Goals & Aspirations: After graduating in 2027, I would love to enroll in the Teacher Residency Program at Clemson and get my Masters degree. I would like to end up teaching in North or South Carolina and e. eventually get my doctorate. I have aspirations of becoming a Principal or Superintendent someday!
Emma Bradley
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Sumter, SC
Why I want to teach: Growing up, my biggest inspiration was my teachers. I vividly remember learning how to count money, tell time, and spell my name—all because my teachers wanted me to succeed. I always admired their passion and enthusiasm. I want to be the kind of teacher that students look back on, not only because I was effective in the classroom but because I cared about them as individuals and truly wanted the best for each one.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to become a speech pathologist because I have a passion for watching kids grow and excel. As a speech pathologist, I would have the opportunity to help each student reach goals they never thought possible. This career would allow me to make a long lasting impact on their lives and lay a strong foundation for their future academic success!
Savannah Goninan
Major: Secondary Social Studies Education
Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
Why I want to teach: Ever since I was five years old, I have known that Education would be the career I find myself a part of. Most of my childhood memories are centered around a classroom setting, whether for my education or helping my mother in her classroom. The rare time I wasn't in school, I was pretending to be a teacher to my class of stuffed animals and dolls or shopping in the school supplies sections at any store. In high school, I was able to experience hands-on time in the classroom with multiple groups of Pre-K students and a class of fifth graders. Seeing the joy on my kids' faces when they mastered a topic filled my heart. This experience convinced me I could never see myself in any other career. Though I have always had a passion for teaching, with every year and new experiences in the classroom, I continue to become more excited for the future of my career. Teachers change children's lives every day. They are leaders and role models and take part in developing who a child becomes in their lives, and I am beyond excited to feel satisfaction and knowledge that I have impacted someone's life.
Goals & Aspirations: After I graduate in 2027, I hope to be accepted into Clemson’s Teacher Residency program and earn my Master’s degree. Once completing these goals, I plan on teaching high school history somewhere in South Carolina!
Caroline Summers
Major: Middle Level Education with an emphasis on Social Studies and English
Hometown: Chapin, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because being a summer camp counselor has given me a unique perspective into the minds of kids along with their development. Every interaction with kids can have a positive or negative impact, and as an educator, I want to create as many positive experiences for students as possible. I love being able to help people, and helping students fi nd success in and out of the classroom has always been something I see myself doing.
Goals & Aspirations: I have always known I wanted to be a teacher in some sort of way. Learning about the different positions in every school, led me to be interested in School Psychology. After graduation, I plan on earning my Education Specialist in School Psychology, and then working at a public school somewhere in South Carolina.
Tess Hanlon (Service Chair)
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Bernardsville, NJ
Why I want to teach: Teachers are everything and beyond, as they have the opportunity to shape young minds, inspire growth and teach valuable knowledge. My mother always told me that teachers are superheroes, but I never realized that until I experienced their touch myself. As someone with a learning disability, I've always had a difficult educational journey. Through middle school, I was lucky enough to experience how special teachers truly were. My teachers were not only individuals who taught me information that would allow me to grow academically, but they were individuals who truly cared about my well-being. I felt supported in whatever endeavors I faced and knew they were there to support me in every step I took. Since I have had a learning disability throughout my life, I have experienced firsthand how students feel and desire to create change that will ultimately work for them. I hope to do a fraction of what they did for me because their impact was something I was forever grateful for. As a teacher, I want to make a meaningful difference in student’s lives and aiding in their growth is a fundamental aspect of being an educator. I possess the capacity to shape the future of any child I interact with, and I believe that this is one of the most significant contributions that an educator can make.
Goals & Aspirations: As a teacher, some of my goals and aspirations include: Inspiring children to develop a passion for learning, facilitating an environment that's positive and inclusive, and encouraging creativity. Additionally some of my personal goals include pursuing my master's degree, maintaining a healthy balanced routine, and running a marathon in the future!
Emily Salehi
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Davidsonville, Maryland
Position: Service Chair
Why I want to teach: I’ve wanted to teach since I was little-I’m so excited to instill a love of learning in my students like so many of my amazing teachers did for me, and get them excited about school! I’ve had so many incredible teachers that made such a big impact on my education and real life in general, and I hope to do the same for my future students!
Goals & Aspirations: While I can’t wait to get in the classroom and teach, I also hope to get a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and work in schools doing that as well!
Amanda Davis
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Narragansett, RI
Why I want to teach: Ever since I was little, I have known I wanted to be a teacher. I love giving back to my community and helping others thrive and succeed. Seeing students believe in themselves and achieve their goals, and knowing I was part of the process, is what makes me want to teach. I love how enthusiastic little kids are about learning and their eagerness to experience new things!
Goals & Aspirations: I want to go to graduate school and get my masters in Early Intervention and eventually do something with little kids and special education.
Lilly Riley
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Gastonia, NC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach in the field of special education because I believe every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves access to a quality education tailored to their unique needs. I am passionate about creating an environment where students with disabilities feel empowered, valued, and capable of reaching their full potential. Teaching in special education allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students by helping them overcome challenges, celebrate their progress, and build the confidence they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to earn my master’s degree, and potentially a doctorate, in special education. I aspire to become a principal and work my way up to a leadership role, ultimately aiming to serve as a superintendent or hold a high-level position within a country's education department.
Andrew Lindler
Major: Secondary History Education
Minor: Athletic Leadership
Hometown: Chapin, SC
Why I want to teach: I'm really passionate about teaching as well as having the opportunity to be a role model for my students! Teachers play a crucial role in shaping future generations of doctors, engineers, and every job in between, so I'm excited to be able to create a lasting positive impact for my students and others around me!
Goals & Aspirations: My primary goal is to graduate with my Masters in Secondary Social Studies Education and teach at a high school level as well as coach football or baseball!
Grayson Collins
Major: Middle Level Education– Math and Science
Hometown: Lexington, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I love to learn! I want to share my passion for learning with others, and help them find something they love, as much as I love learning!
Goals & Aspirations: I hope, one day, to reform the traditional classroom environment, and advocate for new, innovative curriculum and instructional methods. I hope that in doing so, I will have a lasting impact on my students, and the school system as a whole.
Bekah Venezia (External Relations Chair)
Major: Secondary Education English/ Creative Writing
Hometown: Brick, NJ
Why I want to teach: I have a love for English and I want to spread that love!
Goals & Aspirations: My goal is to help someone that does not like reading, and teach them how to love reading.
Julia Dalrymple
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Wellesley, MA
Why I want to teach: I have always loved working with kids. My elementary school teachers were amazing and made a huge impact on me. They were so dedicated to creating relationships with their students, which is something that I want to do as well. I want to be approachable and serve as a mentor to my students. I want to make each of my students feel welcome, valued, and appreciated so that they can thrive both in and out of the classroom!
Goals & Aspirations: After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school to receive my master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology. I hope to work in an elementary school setting as a Speech Pathologist to help children communicate more effectively!
Isabelle Matkovich
Major: Secondary Education in Social Studies
Minor: American Sign Language
Hometown: Moncks Corner, SC
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I am passionate about helping the next generation learn about what came before them. Most of the teachers I have had passed their wisdom down to me, so I want to be able to share that even farther!
Goals & Aspirations: My goal for this year is to grow stronger in my faithfulness to the education system. The education system is fruitful in so many ways and I want to make sure I notice how amazing it is in every light possible!
Mia Slaboch
Major: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Naples, FL
Why I want to teach: I want to become a teacher because ever since I was little I loved going to school to meet new people and learn. My teachers made a huge impact in my life and even when I was struggling with the material being taught I was always able to rely on them for help. I believe that education is not just about transferring knowledge but also about inspiring confidence, empathy, and creativity. The classroom is a place where diverse ideas and perspectives come together, and I want to be able to create an environment where students feel supported and motivated to reach their full potential. I see teaching as a way to be able to contribute to the development of future generations and I am eager to play a part in shaping their success.
Goals & Aspirations: I plan to graduate with my Bachelor's degree in 2028 and then hope to become part of Clemson’s Teacher Residency Program to earn my master's Degree. After completing my 5th year, I hope to teach kindergarten or first grade either in South Carolina or Florida.
Margaret Germany
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Youth Development Studies
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Why I want to teach: I have always known that I wanted to become a teacher! I love working with kids and watching them grow. Teachers have always inspired me, and it's something I hope to be for my students one day. I want to have the opportunity to positively impact students' lives and foster a love to learn. I hope to be a constant light for all of my future students and witness all of them grow into fantastic people!
Goals & Aspirations: After graduation, I hope to be accepted in the Teacher Residency program here at Clemson University to earn a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. While still in my undergraduate years, I look forward to all of my future placements and to learning how to become the best teacher I can be!
Diane Schott
Major: Secondary Education and English
Hometown: Madison, AL
Why I want to teach: I want to teach because I have had some amazing teachers in my life that have made a large impact on me. Some of my teachers have given me so much support in times of struggle, and I want to be that teacher for another student. I have also had some very impactful English classes that have evoked some great discussion from all walks of life, and I want to be a part in facilitating impactful conversations amongst young minds.
Goals & Aspirations: I plan on doing the fifth-year master's program that Clemson offers and then begin in the classroom. I have not decided where I would like to teach yet, but I would potentially stay in South Carolina or more elsewhere. I plan to teach high school English for grades ninth or twelfth.
