Special Education Grad Fosters Inclusive Education in Rhode Island Classrooms

Building upon her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and minor in American Sign Language, Megan Pomeroy '23, of Bristol, R.I., is graduating with an M.A. in Special Education and multiple Rhode Island Department of Education certifications. She has already made significant contributions as a student teacher in the Bristol-Warren Regional School District, where she supports and empowers kindergarten, first-, and second-grade students. With a passion for inclusive education, Pomeroy said she seeks to make a positive impact as a special education inclusion teacher in Rhode Island, continuing her mission to cultivate nurturing learning environments where every student can thrive.

Finding Her Passion: "When I started in the Elementary Education program, I thought I knew what education was and what my part would be in it. I had never really considered special education. But when I took an undergraduate class with Dr. Adam Moore, I was immediately interested in this specialization. The class encouraged us to look back on our own education and consider our own communities through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I quickly realized that my passion for education lies not just in teaching and passing on a love of learning but in making educational environments places that are truly welcoming and accommodating for all students. When the Special Education 4+1 program became available, I knew that it was where I wanted my path to go. It was with professors who already knew me, and it focused on the area where I feel I can make the biggest difference. The program is designed to flow well between the undergraduate and graduate work, and it taught me not just how to be a good teacher, but how to be an even better learner."

Flexible Program: "The flexibility of the 4+1 program is a huge benefit. Because classes are at night, I've been able to student teach full time in the classroom during the day and have time in the evening to engage in courses that make my day-to-day teaching more effective. Not only does it help with my schedule, but the flexibility in pacing and timing of classes opens the programs to in-service teachers who are looking to expand their education as well. I had classes with people who had been teaching for almost 20 years and collaborating with them provided really valuable insight."

Faculty Mentorship: "RWU has been a transformation. I am a completely different person than I was five years ago, in a good way. My professors, especially Dr. Kerri Ullucci, encouraged me to advocate for myself more, understand my worth, and to, in her words, 'use my powers for good.' I think in certain moments in life, it's easy to say that I would make different choices; but, really, I wouldn't change this choice."