Hattie Hall ‘22 remembers wanting to become an elementary school teacher as early as third grade. Through her many years of babysitting, moving between school districts, and helping her younger brother, her love for teaching only grew stronger. She explains, “I took an interest in special education shortly after my brother was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I tried to get involved with special education as much as I could.”
She says, “Every child needs someone to believe in. When you become that person for a child, that feeling inside your heart is a stronger happiness than any amount of money will ever buy.” Hall has always had the intrinsic desire to become that person for a child. Student teaching in an urban setting has made her only feel stronger about this. “For many students, school is their safe place. It is my responsibility to keep up this expectation and give all students the attention they deserve,” she says.
Hall chose to study integrated elementary and special education at UHart’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), where she will earn two certifications in four years, making her eligible to teach both elementary education (grades 1-6) and special education (grades K-12). She was hired before graduation to teach at Betances Learning Lab Magnet School in Hartford as a third grade teacher. She says, “My student teaching placement and several other fieldwork experiences supported me in finding this position.”
Knowing she would be given opportunities for fieldwork as early as her first semester, Hall was able to learn first-hand in classrooms throughout the Hartford area. During her four years as a commuter student, she completed internships at the University of Hartford Magnet School, Farmington Valley Academy, Expeditionary Academy at Moylan School, and Betances Learning Lab. Additionally, she conducted research with Dr. Thilagha Jagaiah over the summer of 2021 regarding the differences in the use of varied sentence structures between more and less skilled writers.
“I made strong connections with all of my professors throughout my four years,” says Hall. She continued, “All of the education classes I attended at UHart aligned directly to what I will do in my career. My professors truly prepared me for the job I will take on this year. I am extremely grateful.”
Hall believes her experience at UHart and ENHP were great! She says, “I love the small class sizes. That was the biggest reason I made the decision to come to UHart. I wanted the small group and one-on-one attention from professors and UHart did not disappoint!”
She advises incoming students to be themselves and be confident. Her final words of advice? She says, “Never feel pressured to fit in, your uniqueness gives people something to remember you by.”
Hattie Hall '22, Integrated Elementary and Special EducationI made strong connections with all of my professors throughout my four years. All of the education classes I attended at UHart aligned directly to what I will do in my career. My professors truly prepared me for the job I will take on this year. I am extremely grateful."