Undergraduate Student Ambassadors
Ambassadors are a group of current students and alumni who have been selected to represent the Teacher Education program in various settings such as welcome events for new students, orientations, presentations to groups on and off campus, information fairs and recruitment events.
Applications for the student ambassador program are solicited in February of each year. Successful candidates are energetic, articulate, and committed teacher candidates who are interested in being involved in shaping the Teacher Education Program and developing their leadership skills
Elementary Ambassadors
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Joel Bruff Joel is in Elementary Education with a language arts major and social studies minor. He grew up in Flint, MI, and counts his grandfather as his hero. In his spare time he likes to watch “The Office,” and hang out with his friends. Joel appreciates being on a first name basis with his professors and says, “The smaller class sizes and individualized instruction make the School of Education both a rewarding and challenging leaning experience.” |
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Heather Chirco Heather is a senior in Elementary Education with a double major in social studies and language arts. She grew up in Clinton Township, MI, and at nine years old wanted to be a teacher. Heather’s heroes are her grandparents, and she is interested in autism awareness and karaoke. Heather says, “The School of Education has been an eye-opening experience into how much behind the scenes work it takes to be a great teacher |
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Elizabeth Davila Liz is a graduating senior in Elementary Education with a major in language arts and minor in social studies. She is from Brooklyn, NY, and in her free time enjoys bike riding and eating at new and interesting restaurants. She has really enjoyed her professors and her cohort peers at the School of Education and says, “You are not only learning from the best, but growing in relationships with students and professors to help you succeed and relate to others.” |
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Nicole Dembinski Nicole is a student in Elementary Education with a major in social studies and minor in language arts. She grew up in Niles, MI, and always wanted to be a teacher. She likes to crochet and calls her mother her heroine. Nicole says that “the Teacher Education program at the University of Michigan does a great job educating future teachers about diversity and multicultural issues. It has given me great experience and allowed me to work with teachers and students in classrooms before student teaching – great scaffolding!” |
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Sandra Liberman Sandy is in Elementary Education with a major in language arts and a minor in science. She is from West Bloomfield, MI, and wanted to be a mail carrier when she was small. Sandy doesn’t like watching TV but enjoys quality time with her computer. She describes the School of Education as a big commitment, “but very rewarding. You don’t only learn how to teach, you learn about yourself and how you can develop the teacher inside.” |
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Ashlei Neely Ashlei is in Elementary Education with a mathematics major and a language arts minor. She is from West Bloomfield, MI, and enjoys Alicia Keys and poetry. Ashlei doesn’t have a lot of free time, but manages to catch “The L Word.” Of her experiences in the School of Education, Ashlei says, “it provides you with all the tools you need to be a successful teacher, and the cohort structure allows you to form lasting relationships with your prospective colleagues.” |
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Laura Raubacher Laura is an Elementary Education student with a major in language arts and minor in social studies. She grew up in Romeo, MI, and when she was nine years old she wanted to be a doctor. Laura describes herself as “obsessed” with college football and enjoys watching TV in her spare time. She calls her time at the School of Education “amazing!” and has really developed a passion for teaching. |
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Katie Tuson Katie is in Elementary Education with a major in social studies and minor in language arts. She is from Clarkston, MI, and has always wanted to be a teacher. In her free time Katie loves to dance, shop, and watch TV, though not all at the same time. She has really enjoyed her time in the School of Education and appreciates how supportive and encouraging the faculty have been, “I feel that learning in the university, and observing/implementing in the field will really prepare me for teaching in my future classroom.” |
Secondary Ambassadors
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Sarah Chow Sarah is in Secondary Education with a major in mathematics and minor in English. She grew up in Wilmette, IL, and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. In her spare time Sarah enjoys watching movies, and “America’s Next Best Dance Crew.” She says, “The School of Education is a unique and helpful community. It opened my eyes to who I am and who I will be in the classroom.” |
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Nichole Erickson Nichole is in Secondary Education with a major in biology and minor in mathematics. She is from Royal Oak, MI, but she loves being in Ann Arbor as a Michigan Wolverine. She spends her free time with her friends, and enjoys exploring ocean life by snorkeling and scuba diving. Nichole appreciates all of the people she’s met at the School of Education and says, “it’s a great way to expand your mind about an educational career. It’s hard work, but a lot of fun |
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Sara Kiel Sara is a student in Secondary Education with a social studies major and psychology minor. She grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, and always wanted to be a teacher. Sara loves to sing, and in her spare time she gives tours at the Natural History Museum. Sara really values all of the practical experiences that have accompanied her academics at the School of Education and has enjoyed her cohort peers, “they are such a rich resource and we have all benefited from developing as teachers together.” |
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Eric Kursman Eric is in Secondary Education with a major in English and minor in mathematics. He grew up in Birmingham, MI, and when he was a wee lad, he wanted to design cars. Eric enjoys composing and playing music, and cooking. He feels that the School .of Education “is the gateway to one of the most rewarding and enjoyable careers imaginable. It prepares you for the real classroom, and transforms your vision of the classroom.” |
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Allison Lennex Allison is in Secondary Education with a major in English and minor in psychology. She grew up in Bedford, MI, and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Allison enjoys music, plays the harmonica and is learning the guitar. She says, “My time at the School of Education has been great. I like that it is small. I really appreciate the constant support of the faculty –it is obvious that their goals involve [student] learning.” |
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Jennifer Lohner Jenny is a student in Secondary Education with a double major in history and Spanish. She grew up in East Grand Rapids, MI, and loves to run. In her free time you can find her watching “mindless” TV. Jenny feels strongly about the call to teach and says, “It takes strength and courage to be a teacher, but if you’re up to the challenge, the hardships will pale in comparison to the joy that will fill your heart on a daily basis when you see your students succeed.” |
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Mark Messmore Mark is a Secondary Education undergraduate with majors in social studies and Spanish. Growing up in Dexter, MI, and coming from a family of educators, Mark always knew he wanted to be a teacher. Mark tells future students that their experience in the School of Education will be rigorous, “There is a lot of work to do, but you will exit feeling well prepared for one of the most rewarding professions in the world.” |
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Deanna Parchomenko Deanna is a student in Secondary Education with a major in English and minor in history. She grew up in Warren, MI, and when she was little she wanted to be a ballerina. Deanna’s interests have changed a bit, and now she loves UFC fighting. Of her experiences in the School of Education, Deanna says, “It is hard work but the rewards are well worth the effort. You meet people who you make strong connections with and work toward the same goal –becoming amazing teachers!” |
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David VandeVusse Dave is a student in Secondary Education with a major in English and minor in Spanish. He is from Kalamazoo, MI, and loves all things sports, especially soccer, so it’s no surprise that when he was younger, he wanted to be an athlete. Dave says the School of Education is “tough, but you will learn. I have developed strong connections with good people.” |
