Cory Gallagher - Cohort 2, Senior

Middle Childhood Education 

(Science and Mathematics)

As a fifth-year senior, what would you tell underclassmen as you look back? 

You started pursuing a degree in high school science education but quickly switched to middle childhood education instead. Yes, I knew I wanted to teach. I always had great teachers, which inspired me to consider teaching as a career as I saw the difference they made in my life. Also, my mom is a special education teacher for 4th, 5th and 6th graders and I would visit her classroom often, gaining experience and a desire to teach. As I considered my options for teaching, a slightly younger age range seemed more appealing than high school. My ideal job would be to teach 5th grade science and math.

What have you enjoyed most about BGSU? I love the small town community. It is nice to see people I know when I walk to classes or am in town. Some of my favorite places in BG are Easy Street Café, Stone's Throw, and Finders Records.

How did you spend your summer? I had a great summer working at a city recreation center as a camp counselor--we had 200 kids ages 5 through 12, but I focused mostly on those who were 9-12. We played sports and did activities with the kids and took them on field trips. Also, my dad graduated from the FBI Academy so we took a trip to Virginia and Maryland for the ceremony.

As you prepare for your senior year (which includes Methods and Student Teaching), how are you feeling?  

With the busy year ahead, what are some things you like to do to relax?  I enjoy listening to music and also like Netflix. Playing guitar is another way to relax. I am just learning to play so no public appearances yet! Photography is a hobby of mine so this is a great way to de-stress. Downtown Bowling Green provides some unique pictures and I also go to Wintergarden Park.

 

Anna Bailey - Cohort 4, Junior

AYA Integrated Mathematics

Tell us about your summer... I spent my summer at Camp Kern, which is a residential YMCA camp near Lebanon, Ohio. My role was to run all the high ropes adventures that included zip lining, rappelling, rock climbing, a high ropes course, and a giant swing. I hung out with kids ages 11-15 the entire summer and had a blast! It was cool to watch the campers bond and grow in leadership skills during the week they were at camp. It was an amazing opportunity and I hope to go back again in the summers since it was a great experience for me as a future teacher. I definitely had to learn flexibility while living in an unstructured environment with little guidance. The entire last week of camp I slept outside in a hammock!

How did you end up at BGSU?  As I was looking at schools that were good for education majors, my high school counselor strongly suggested her alma mater, BGSU. I was first looking at AIMS, but since I knew I wanted to teach I was very excited to find out about ACTION when my school counselor gave the brochure to me. It seemed like a great fit.

What led you to pursue a degree as a math teacher? I was really good at math in high school and took advanced math classes. I enjoy the content and concepts! My track coach was my high school counselor so I would often tutor my classmates and teammates in math. I also tutored 5th graders but found that I enjoyed the harder math concepts much better so felt high school teaching would be a better fit.

What are your dreams for the future? I would love to teach Algebra 2 and Calculus at a small to medium-sized high school in the Dayton or Cincinnati area. Also, since I am getting a minor in coaching at BGSU, being a coach would also be ideal.

What are you involved with at BGSU?  Working at the Math Emporium takes up a lot of time. I work 9:30-4:00pm every Tuesday and Thursday to help students with various levels of college math. This has been a great experience--I've had to consider different ways to explain concepts to help students understand. I'm very involved at St. Thomas More Church including member of Veritas' core team, leader of the Koinonia retreat last year, and leading a Christian Living Community (CLC). Relay for Life is another commitment where I've served as Spirit Chair and Entertainment and Activity Chair. As a member of BGCTM for teachers, I am the newly elected Vice President for AYA.

Any advice that you would offer to those just starting their college career? Get involved. Try to build your resume now by seeking opportunities. My summer and current employment will help me land a teaching job some day. Also, keep busy but be sure to make time for yourself and not be too busy. If someone offers to help, accept the assistance even if you aren't sure you need the help--you most likely will!

ACTION Graduate Update

Our recent May 2014 ACTION graduates have been in high demand due to the increasing need for qualified science and math teachers. Schools all across Ohio have been offering positions to our talented scholars. Several of our graduates are attending graduate school to further their education while a few chose other employment.

Congrats to 4.0 ACTION Scholars

As mentioned above by Dr. Brahier, a total of 53 ACTION scholars earned all A's during Spring 2014. This is over half of all our participants! As we do at the beginning of each semester, a dinner was recently hosted to honor and celebrate this accomplishment. We are so proud of our scholars for working hard to earn high grades.

Lauren, Rachel, Megan, and Serena take a break from eating to smile for the camera. In the background Alyssa chats with Dr. Brahier

Corrinne, Betsie, and Ashten enjoy the food served as a reward for their hard work to get a 4.0 during Spring 2014

Kevin has a chance to catch up with Dr. Brahier before sitting down to enjoy some dinner

Taking advantage to connect among different cohorts, Sarah, Cory, and Megan sit with

Allison and Molly to interact 

ACTION Tailgate Party - for the whole family!! 

Hopefully you already have Saturday, September 13 on your calendar to attend BGSU's Family Weekend. Make sure to stop by our tailgate tent starting at 10:30am prior to the BGSU football game to grab an early lunch and interact with other ACTION scholars and families.  You won't want to miss this annual event that seems to get better every year! Go Falcons!!

STEM in the Park at BGSU 

STEM in the Park has become an annual event for the entire Northwest Ohio community and each year it continues to improve. This free event will be hosted on Saturday, September 27 from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Perry Field House. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities. ACTION will be hosting an activity station spearheaded by Alyssa Lustgarten (Cohort 5) that will use both math and science. It will be fun for all! More information can be found here.