Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Edidin, Aron

Area of Concentration

Liberal Arts

Abstract

This thesis explores how a liberal arts education, combined with extensive practical teaching experience and real-world insights, has shaped my philosophy and trajectory as a future educator as I traversed the college system. Drawing from interdisciplinary coursework and firsthand classroom involvement, I examine the benefits and challenges of pursuing a nontraditional path into teaching, particularly through the lens of Florida’s certification system. Rather than following a conventional teacher preparation program, I intentionally crafted an individualized academic journey grounded in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, complemented by sustained practicum experiences across multiple school districts. My work highlights how liberal arts training cultivates adaptability, critical thinking, and a holistic understanding of educational systems, qualities essential for today’s dynamic classrooms. Additionally, I reflect on my experiences as a mother and mentor, which provided early insight into educational inequities and the importance of flexibility in learning models. This paper also compares liberal arts pathways with occupational education degrees and advocates for more inclusive, experiential, and student-centered approaches to middle school education. Ultimately, I argue that educators with broad, interdisciplinary backgrounds are well-positioned to drive meaningful change in schools and communities, and I propose a vision for a future charter school that embodies these values.

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