The Education Studies major at Spelman strives to provide students with an integrated learning experience that will provide them with a strong academic foundation in education, develop culturally competent skills and dispositions in order to be leaders within educational institutions and among children and youth.
The Education Studies major fosters within students a deep understanding of the complexity of education and schooling as well as an ability to think critically about the ways in which education intersects with a broad range of social, cultural, political and economic forces.
The major is appropriate for students who plan to have careers in fields where they might deal with issues related to individuals and educational institutions; and for students interested in a broad introduction to educational issues. The major is also appropriate for students who intend to pursue graduate study in other liberal arts areas, but who need a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of educational issues. The Education Studies major also provides a foundation that is appropriate for students who may choose to enter a teacher certification program at the graduate level as well as for students who may later wish to embark upon other careers in education.
Alumna Spotlight: Kirsten Gordon
"Education has made a tremendous difference in my life because it has provided opportunities for a better life. My family and village understood this and made it my priority from a young age. The child of an immigrant, my mother came to America to provide me with a good education. I have since made it my life’s mission to be an impactful part of the educational landscape in any way possible. From graduate programs to my current role, I want to show how education can take you to levels that one could never imagine." said Kristen Gordon, C'2018 in an interview with the Student Leadership Network.
While at Spelman I did a teaching internship my Junior year where I was offered employment upon graduation. I taught for three years at an all-boys school in Brooklyn while I obtained my masters degree, before landing my dream job as the senior manager of Girls’ Education at Student Leadership Network.