Behind the Desk of a Future Elementary Educator

After graduating from Trinity in 2019 with degrees in Political Science and Environmental Studies, Olivia Roybal decided to return to school to work toward her passion: teaching in an elementary classroom. She just graduated from the Master of Arts in Teaching program in May 2024. We sat down with her while she was a student to discuss her experience in the MAT program.

Q: Can you share the moment or incident you realized that you wanted to be a teacher?
A: When I was doing environmental science research, I noticed my favorite part of the research process was communicating with the public about issues that impacted our shared community. Teaching is a practice that allows me to engage in conversations with my community every day about new information and issues that we observe in our world.

Q: Is there any subject you are especially interested in teaching and why?
A: I am interested in teaching in an early elementary generalist classroom. Early elementary is an important foundational reading year, and I love teaching reading! I also enjoy teaching science. During science lessons, I work to engage my students in the research process and help them make connections to science careers.

Q: Why did you choose primary over secondary?
A: I wanted to be a part of the rigorous and foundational skill development that happens in elementary school. Also, teaching in a generalist elementary classroom is kind of like the liberal arts dream! In elementary school, students study every subject and have the opportunity to make cross-curricular connections with their teacher and classroom community.

Q: What is your favorite part of the MAT program?
A: My favorite part of the MAT Program is being part of a professional, social, and educational community. The program provides a wealth of resources, friendship, and knowledge through relationships with mentors, professors, my placement campus community and my cohort.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of the MAT program?
A: The most challenging aspect of the MAT program is teaching. Teaching is hard work that requires a lot of practice! The benefit of the MAT program is that it provides the structure and space for practicing and developing as a teacher.

Q: Why did you choose the MAT program at Trinity University? Is there anything specific about it that intrigued you?
A: I was intrigued by recommendations from alumni! I heard amazing things about the program from members of my community and I had several friends that are MAT graduates.

Q: How is graduate school different from undergrad?
A: It is more student-led. Professors and mentors support you in interests and professional skills that you are interested in developing.

Q: Do you have any advice for anyone considering taking the MAT program at Trinity?
A: Volunteer at a school or with a youth community organization! It is a great opportunity to understand what aspects of working with kids and youth you are most interested in.

Q: Will you share an "aha" moment you experienced in one of your graduate education classes?
A: We had a dialogue in class about the tension between rules and expectations and civil disobedience. In our discussion about school-wide expectations, compliance, and teaching kids how to make "good trouble," we better understood the tension and generated solutions for moving forward in a school setting.

Q: Can you share a little bit about your student teaching experience so far?
A: It is equal parts challenging and rewarding! I will always remember my first students, and I am so thankful to be taught by them.

Q: What excites you the most about being a teacher?
A: Making a positive impact on students lives' excites me the most about being a teacher.