Students and Alumni Stories

Mary Farley G'23, MS in Early Childhood Education, and Kimberly Bermani G'23, MS in Elementary Education, share how a twist of luck brought them together in a first-grade classroom at Frederick Harris Elementary in Springfield, MA. 

Read Their Story

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"If you are someone who is looking for engaging professors, quality courses that are practical and helpful, and a flexible way to further your education and career as a teacher, then Bay Path University's Elementary Education program is for you. The program is a Massachusetts Department of Education teacher preparation program, and the material I have interacted with in my courses so far has offered applicable teaching methods, and assignments that mimic the lesson planning I will be doing when I have my own classroom." - Peyton Rockcliffe, G'20

"The entire graduate experience: from applying, to classes, to exams, to meeting with my advisor and ending with my practicum has all been very rewarding. What I have taken away from this experience is that it is never too late to pursue a goal, regardless of how impossible it may seem to complete in your current life situation. Everyone has to start somewhere and that is usually the hardest part, but trust me when I say once you start you will be glad that you did. Push beyond your comfort zone and you will be amazed at what you can achieve." 
- Brenda L. Donaldson G'19 

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"This program will provide my initial license in elementary education, so I can begin my career as a teacher. This program has prepared me to write effective lesson plans and meet diverse learners through differentiating instruction."
- Heather Smith, G'19 

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"This is a wonderful program! It was best for me as a full-time working mom to be able to complete the majority of the courses online. The teachers were amazing to work with, very helpful, and encouraging."
- Elizabeth Lanaville, G'19

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"I have loved everything about my experience here at Bay Path from the moment I started. I love the people, the administration, and even the campus itself. It just feels like home and if I had to do it all over again, I would. That is exactly why I jumped at the chance to stay here for my master's degree. Bay Path is a great school with great people who are always willing to go above and beyond. One of the greatest moments in my time here that I will always remember is when the president of Bay Path, Dr. Carol Leary herself, came in to one of my classes just to talk to us and get some feedback about our experience as students of Bay Path. She was so kind and offered lots of good advice that I will never forget. I know that Bay Path was the right choice for me. I am absolutely delighted that this master's program is now offered and that I was able to stay right here.” - Sarah Amaral, ‘13, G'19

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"I teach children that face many challenges. Some of my students have failed in every other educational setting, and it can be very intense. So when selecting a master’s program, I was looking for something that wasn’t just a rubber stamp on my resume. I wanted to be challenged. I wanted a program that would reinforce what I’ve learned from years in the classroom, expose me to new ways of thinking, and give me the language I needed to articulate my unconventional teaching methods. Bay Path’s program did that for me. I was surprised and impressed by the curriculum, and by the quality of the online discussions between both students and faculty. It was a good and humbling reminder that I’m not done learning, and I’ll never be done learning. I’m a more compassionate teacher when I have my own homework, and more understanding and reflective when I’m going through what my students are going through."
- Elizabeth Irving, G'16

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"I liked the one-on-one attention and personal connection you get from and with professors and classmates, which is one reason I continued my education here for my Master's program. I also like the accessibility and convenience of all the online courses and weekend courses.”
- Ashlee Viens, ‘13, G'15