Collin Wilson, C'13

Collin Wilson is earning her master’s degree in education at the University after teaching third grade in rural Arkansas with Teach for America.

Why did you choose Teach for America?

I remember seeing posters for Teach for America (TFA) everywhere on grounds at the University of Virginia, where I majored in Art History and minored in Spanish. During the fall of my senior year, I started to have the “senior year panic” and realized that I finally needed to focus on my career path and finding a job. I really enjoyed working with children at the university’s art museum and had a passion for TFA’s mission that one day, all children will learn. This program perfectly meshed my two interests together. I was accepted in November of my senior year to the Mississippi Delta region and couldn’t have been more excited to enter the classroom as a teacher.

Where did you teach?

I taught third grade in a small, rural town of nine thousand people called Stuttgart, Arkansas, at a school called Park Avenue Elementary. Stuttgart is known as the “rice and duck hunting capital of the world.” The rice fields attract ducks during the fall, which is the start of duck hunting season. There is even an annual duck calling competition every November that is broadcast on ESPN.

What did you learn from your experience with Teach for America?

I learned that it takes patience and a tremendous amount of support to be a teacher. I don’t think most people realize the amount of work that teachers put into their classrooms. While we ended our school day at 3:40 p.m., I normally spent at least two extra hours of unpaid time cleaning up the classroom, grading papers and writing lesson plans. I definitely have a new appreciation and respect for all teachers.

What is one piece of advice you have for first year teachers?

Don’t smile until after winter break. I’m kidding, but there is some wisdom in that saying. Be stern and let your students know that you are the one in charge.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love running. I ran in the half-marathon in November in Richmond. I am also a sports fanatic and especially enjoy watching football and basketball. My favorite teams are the Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Tigers, Virginia Cavaliers, and of course the Richmond Spiders.

What do you enjoy most about the M.Ed. program for Curriculum and Instruction?

I have enjoyed the small class sizes and one-on-one interaction with professors. I am currently taking Content Specialization and Action Research, Curriculum and Development, and Assessment and Evaluation. All of my professors have been extremely helpful and are clearly dedicated to helping us become better teachers. I have learned a lot about the current movements in education with programs like Race to the Top, where teachers are paid based on their students’ growth and achievement in the classroom. We are on the cusp of change in public education in America, and it is extremely beneficial to discuss 21st century skills with fellow teachers in our classrooms here at the University of Richmond.

What are you planning to do with your master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction?

Eventually, I would love to go back and work for Teach for America with either their recruiting efforts or training team. Helping others teachers become better teachers is something that I have a passion for as well as helping students learn. There are several jobs with Teach for America such as the Manager of Teacher Leadership and Development that provide teachers with a chance to help incoming corps members receive excellent professional development. While Teach for America corps members are not placed in Richmond yet, I would love to see them here in the future.