In this episode of Conversatio, Dr. Christine Boor welcomes Regan Long—Catholic speaker, best-selling author, and devoted mother of five—for a powerful conversation on parenting, faith, and the cultural challenges families face today. Together, they explore what it means to raise children grounded in truth in a society that is often contrary—and even hostile—to the Catholic faith.
education
Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Angela Bagatta
Though it’s belated for Teacher Appreciation Week, we wanted to highlight Angela Bagatta, an Abbey alumna from the class of 2023. She’s currently inspiring young minds as a second-grade teacher at Jackson Day School in Charlotte, NC.
1. What do you love about teaching?
My favorite part about teaching is the loving relationships I have formed with my students and the amazing memories we have made!
2. How did the Education department at BAC help you develop as a teacher?
The Belmont Abbey Education department gifted me a rich understanding of educational theory, strategies, and life-like experiences through student teaching! My Abbey professors are still only a call away, and willing to assist with anything I ever need!
3. What is your advice to Abbey students pursuing an Education degree?
If you feel the call toward teaching, answer it! I get to live my dream every single day! It was the best choice I’ve ever made 🙂
Thanks for all that you do, Angela! We’re honored to be your alma mater.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Laura Gonzalez
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting Abbey alums making a difference in local schools!
Say hello to Laura Gonzalez, an alumna of Belmont Abbey, graduating in 2023! She’s currently a kindergarten teacher at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Gastonia, NC.
1. What do you love about teaching?
I love watching the students’ minds grow and fall in love with school! Getting to watch them grow into their personalities and faith is such an amazing experience.
2. How did the Education department at BAC help you develop as a teacher?
They helped me find what type of teacher I wanted to be and could become. Opened my eyes to the multiple opportunities in ways to help all types of students.
We’re grateful for your commitment and effort, Laura! Being your alma mater is an honor we cherish.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Alumna Felicia Wilson
We’re kicking off Teacher Appreciation Week by highlighting Abbey alums making a difference in local schools!
Our first feature is Felicia Wilson, an alumna of Belmont Abbey, graduating in both 2010 and 2023! She’s currently a second-grade teacher at Reedy Creek Elementary in Charlotte, NC.
1. What do you love about teaching?
The joy that teaching brings to my soul is immeasurable. There are moments of highs and lows, but that is typical in all professions. However, unlike many professions, I have an opportunity to change the future. In my classroom, I could have the next President of the United States, the next greatest scientist or one of the first pioneers to land on Mars. The possibilities are infinite and it all begins in my classroom. How amazing is that!!!
The other side to that are the hilarious and the profound things the students say and do. They may be only 7 or 8 years old, but they view the world with innocent eyes and unfiltered words and thoughts…and that’s the joy.
2. How did the Education department at BAC help you develop as a teacher?
One word, “amazing,” describes the BAC Education department. Everyone at BAC was invested in my success as an educator. They all make you feel supported and prepared to enter the classroom. Seasoned teachers at my school assumed that I had been teaching for years because I am organized, prepared, classroom management is consistent and in place, I have positive relationships with my scholars and their parents/caregivers and I use technology, music and art with different assignments to add meaning and depth to the lessons. All of those things, I learned from the BAC Education department. When I walked into the classroom last August as a licensed teacher, I was confident, ready and excited to teach. All of it was due to the BAC Education department.
3. What is your advice to Abbey students pursuing an Education degree?
Being a teacher is a powerful gift to our community. You will probably never know or see the entire impact (good or bad) that you made in a student’s life. So be gentle, be understanding, and approach each day with an open mind and an open heart, because your words and actions have great power.
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, Felicia! We’re honored to be your alma mater!
A Look into the Education Department
Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Danashia Tucker
Dr. Mary Stratton joined Belmont Abbey College January ’21 as the Chair of the Education Department and Associate Professor. Dr. Stratton has a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University, an M.A. from West Chester University, and a D.Ed. from Widener University. Dr. Stratton teaches numerous courses including ED 305 Education of the Exceptional Child, ED 310 W Educational Development and Psychology, ED 406 Foundations of English Language Arts, and ED 407 Literacy and Assessment.
Dr. Stratton’s favorite course to teach is ED 305 as she stated, “I love to witness the transformation of our pre-service teachers, from thinking that children with disabilities have many barriers to learning to looking at children with disabilities in open-minded and creative way, focused on providing instruction and support to ensure success for all students.”
As an Education Studies major and Psychology Minor, I have enjoyed taking Dr. Stratton’s classes with “Introduction to the Exceptional Child” being my favorite. This class provided an overview of the needs and nature of an exceptional child including the integration and accommodations put into place to ensure the child’s success. I enjoyed the assignments in the class, the assignments provided me with more insight on the daily accommodations for individuals with a physical or intellectual disability.
I interviewed Dr. Stratton and this is her approach to teaching:
“Student success is the central focus of my instruction. I believe that the teacher is a facilitator of learning as compared to a dictator of content. It is important to me that I can provide realistic examples from my own teaching experience that are directly aligned with theory and pedagogy found in the educational methods textbooks. It is also essential to establish genuine relationships with your students. You must really know your students; you are their mentor which is both an honor and privilege.”
I asked her about what the Abbey she was inspired by and her response was:
“The Abbey is a unique, extraordinary example of a faith-based community. The interconnectedness of faith and scholarship is without a doubt extraordinary. I love President Thierfelder’s messages each week…the message is full of love and clarity. I love the students. Abbot Placid’s leadership and gentle guidance on not only spirituality and theology but his kindness and concern in dealing with the human side of life is full of comfort and compassion. The beauty of the campus and the tradition behind not only the physical structures but the student activities and rigorous academic standards are immeasurable.”
Fun Fact: The honor society “Kappa Delta Pi” is an organization available for the students within the Education Department. It’s an international organization that focuses on supporting the work of educators throughout the local and international community.
Student Feedback: “I have had multiple classes with Dr. Stratton as my teacher and she has always made it enjoyable and interesting to learn. She has such a complex understanding of everything that she teaches and makes it easier to understand. She also cares deeply about her students’ personal lives and does what she can to help. In my experience she is absolutely
wonderful and kind.”
– Addisyn Ricafrente, Educational Studies Major
This article was originally posted in the Fall 2022, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue.
