Posted on December 27, 2021 – written by Austin Nagelhout, SOE Graduate Assistant
“Because of Buffalo State, I am prepared for my future!”
Marisa Clark’s teacher in high school was the one who recommended Buffalo State College. After hearing about how great the Exceptional Education program was from an alumnus, Clark knew she wanted to enroll.
"Buffalo State's curriculum helped to prepare me personally and academically by providing me with a plethora of opportunities each semester to put pedagogy into practice," Clark stated, "The location of Buffalo State made it easy for me to get to placements and engage in community service initiatives."
She offered some practical advice for teacher candidates: “During field placements, ask about the curriculum and take notes on them! This will help you become familiar with various curricula so you are more prepared for interviewing and your first year."
It is important to Clark to support her students as much as she can. “I am motivated by seeing the ‘light bulb moments’ in my students. There is no greater feeling than working with a student on a specific skill and seeing them light up when they are able to do it independently. It is important for me to keep up with new and emerging ideas and studies in the field of special education.”
As she teaches, Clark is responsive to her students’ needs. “In the field of special education, you often need to be creative to succeed. Thinking outside of the box and trying various methods and ideas will help yourself and your students succeed!” Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognizes that many students will require more social and emotional learning, along with time to readjust to being in the classroom.
Clark taught English as a foreign language in the Middle East during the 2020-2021 school year, which exposed her to new teaching methods for English language learners. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s program studying behavioral disorders, and she hopes to extend her certification to upper middle school and high school grades so she can work with older students.
