Kevin is a passionate and active English Teacher Prep student eager to begin his career as an ELA teacher. His love for

 literature, cultural studies, and discussion makes education the perfect fit for him to embolden the next generation of learners, and have fun doing it!

What made you pursue English Teacher Prep as a major? What’s the most fulfilling part of your major?

Originally, I wasn’t an English major. I was actually a Journalism major for my first two years at Stony Brook. I just sort of fell out of love with it. When I was thinking about what I wanted to do with my life, the more I started gravitating towards teaching as a future career. The most fulfilling part, to me, is the discussions with your professors and your peers, and you gain a more informed opinion of yourself, the literature, and the world.

What made you pursue teaching? 

I’ve had great experiences working with kids, and I really love English and reading, so I just thought teaching was just a match made in heaven. I want to make an impact on kids and be a good role model for them. I love just reading and sharing my passion for literature with them. 

How did you hear about the Teacher’s Education Program? Are you enrolled in the BA in English Teacher Education Program or the MAT in English? 

I first heard of the program from Joshua Cabat, the Director of the Teacher Education Program.  I expressed my desire to teach, and he said that I should just apply. He helped me with the process of applying, and he’s the reason I’m kind of here today. I am in the BA/MA accelerated program so I will graduate with my Master’s in Fall 2027.

What has been the most fun/interesting thing you’ve learned from the Program? Is there a class that stands out?

In the BA/MA program, I am able to take master’s level classes as an undergraduate. I took EGL 587, Literature in diaspora, last year with Professor E.K.  Tan. Jamaica Kincaid’s A Small Place, is one piece of literature that really stood out. The main lesson was that tourism is not a reflection of the state of the country, but rather a mirage that the country wanted to show, and just because you go to these tourist spots doesn’t mean you have an informed opinion about the state of the country. I traveled abroad this summer, and that really did inform my opinion. I’m seeing just the glamour of the country, but there are real institutional struggles everywhere you go. That is the point, to keep a holistic thought about people and your surroundings.

What advice would you give to other students who wish to join the Teacher’s Education Program or are already in the program?

I think for anyone who’s interested in the educational program, you really just have to ask yourself: Do you love it? There’s a lot when it comes to teaching in terms of hours and responsibilities. I think if you can say “Yes, I can play all of the roles that I need to as a teacher, I am willing to put in all of the effort needed for my students”, then yes, you should absolutely pursue it.

For the students who are in the teaching program, one thing I’ve learned is just to have fun. Start with reading your favorite work, showcasing your excitement with help students become invested and excited too. It should be fun, interactive, and interesting. Be all in.