Amy Beelke

E-mail: albeelke@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education    
Hometown: W Lafayette, IN
High School: W Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, Alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta Sigma.
Why did I choose teaching as a career? I've always been very interested in teaching, even at a young age.  I was blessed with many great teachers and their love for education clearly showed in the classroom.  As a child, school was fun and exciting for me, mainly because my teachers strived to make it that way.  They would incorporate fun projects and games to make each new concept more exciting and interesting.  In my future classroom, I hope that my students enjoy learning just as much as I did.  I absolutely love working with children and cannot imagine any other profession being more fulfilling.

Brittney Birk

E-mail: bbirk@purdue.edu
Major: Special Education:  Mild Intervention/Elementary Education    
Hometown: Auburn, IN
High School: Dekalb High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, Purdue Student Education Association, Freshman Honors Society.
Why did I choose teaching as a career? I have always loved kids and becoming a teacher seemed like a natural fit for me.  I had a fifth grade teacher who was amazing and inspired me to not only do my best in school, but to help others do their best as well.  This inspiration turned into a dream for me and it still is my dream and passion today.  My goal is to make a difference in my future students’ lives.  I hope to impact them the way my fifth grade teacher impacted me by bringing fun, excitement, and curiosity back into the classroom and the learning process.

E-mail: mbriscoe@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Kokomo, IN
High School:  Western High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, Delta Gamma, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta Sigma.
Why did I choose teaching as a career? Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to become a teacher.  Through a teaching career, I hope to make an impact in my community and to touch the young lives that I work with on a daily basis.  I wish to influence my students and teach them the skills they need to discover their dreams and work to accomplish those desires.

Brittany Cruz

E-mail: blcruz@purdue.edu
Major: Special Education:  Mild Intervention/Elementary Education
Hometown: Hillside, IL
High School:  Montini Catholic High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, S.E.E.D, Purdue Cheer and Stunt, Embajadores Mentor Program.
Why did I choose teaching as a career? I chose teaching as a career because I wanted to share my love of learning with others, by showing them how much fun learning can be!  I want to help as many children as I can, and becoming a teacher seems like the perfect way to do it!  I would also like to one day participate in Teach for America, which has been one of my goals and  is another reason why I chose to become a teacher.  I want to show students, that no matter where they come from, they can succeed in doing whatever they put their minds to!

Chris Daisey

E-mail: cdaisey@purdue.edu
Major: Social Studies Education
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
High School:  Carroll High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, Alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta Sigma.
Why did I choose teaching as a career? I chose teaching as a career because I wanted to have a career that allowed me to continue to explore my interest in history and social sciences as well as to have a meaningful job that is about more than money.

Samantha DeKemper

E-mail: sdekempe@purdue.edu 
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Jasper, IN
High School:  Jasper High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, College of Education Senator for Purdue Student Government, Lead a faith sharing community and am an Eucharistic Minister at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, College Mentors for Kids, and Boiler Gold Rush Team Leader.
Why did I choose teaching as a career? I want to better our school corporations and make all children feel accepted.  I want to give my students the confidence to believe in the beauty of their dreams.  I believe all children should have equal opportunities to succeed in school.  I eventually want to become involved in administration.  I love leadership and I am looking forward to being able to make a difference in lives of every student I come into contact with.

Corrina Gonzalez

E-mail: cdgonzal@purdue.edu
Major: Elemenetary Education
Hometown: Carmel, IN
High School:  Carmel High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Purdue Women's Rugby Club, S.E.E.D.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose to become a teacher because a teacher from my past really inspired me to become a better student and chase my dreams.  I want to help students realize the importance of education and show them how to overcome their obstacles to achieve whatever they wish to.  I feel my passion in the classroom is the perfect place to inspire students.

Mike Goodrich

E-mail: megoodri@purdue.edu
Major: Social Studies Education
Hometown: Kokomo, IN
High School:  Tri-Central High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as a career because I want to be able to make a postive impact on student's lives.  Education is a major key to a successful life, and it can help many people obtain the American dream.  My goal is to get students to realize the importance of what an education can do for them.  I had many teachers that helped me to appreciate the importance of a good education, and I want the priceless opportunity to do the same thing.

Maddie Govert

E-mail: megovert@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Merrillvillle, IN
High School:  Merrillville High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Purdue Cheer and Stunt Club, Ayuda y Aprende, National Chemistry Week, GERI Super Saturday Program.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
My mom is a teacher and ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to be a teacher.  I could not see myself doing anything else except work with children every day and I love to help people learn new things, so I figured that teaching is the ideal career for me!

Denicia Greener

E-mail: degreene@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Jasper, IN
High School:  Northeast Dubois High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Sigma Alpha Lambda.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher.  In my past experiences I had great teachers who brought out the best in their students.  These experiences inspired me to become the best teacher I could be, one who could show them that learning can be fun and exciting rather than dull and boring.  I’ve also always loved children, and seeing them grow throughout the school year is the most rewarding thing I can imagine.

Laura Grieger

E-mail: lgrieger@purdue.edu
Major: Special Education:  Mild Intervention/Elementary Education 
Hometown: Lombard, IL
High School: Glenbard East High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, boiler Gold Rush Team Leader, Phi Eta Sigma and alpha Lambda Delta Honor Societies.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
Since I was very young, I have always wanted to be a teacher.  I had some really great teachers in elementary school that always made learning fun.  I remember dreading missing a day of school because I always loved being in the classroom.  I want to make learning fun for my students.  Because I have such fond memories of my school days, I hope to help my future students create their own fond memories.  I also want to make a difference in people’s lives.  Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers.  I look forward to helping my students see the importance of education and how bright their future can be.

Ryan Habben

E-mail: rhabben@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Lafayette IN
High School:  William Henry Harrison High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors,  Purdue Student Education Association.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
Many of my teachers have helped me become the person that I am today and have had a huge impact on my life.  I want to do the same for the kids in my classroom as well as give them the knowledge that will help them to succeed.

Anne Iovinelli

E-mail: aiovinel@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Lisle, IL
High School:  Napierville High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Panhellenic Council, boiler Gold Rush Team Leader.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.  I have a passion for helping people learn something new and I love children.  I think there is no better feeling in the world than to see a child understand something that you helped them learn.  For me, being able to work with students and help them be successful both inside and outside classroom is the perfect job because it helps people, and is fun for me.  I cannot wait until I have my own classroom and am able to impact my students to help them be the best people they can be.

 David Joest

E-mail: dwjoest@purdue.edu
Major: Social StudiesEducation
Hometown: Carmel, IN
High School:  Carmel High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, President's Leadership Class, Tomahawk (Service and Leadership Honorary), Purdue Christian Campus House, Purdue University Dance Marathon, Campus Crusade for Christ, Running Club.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as a career because I really enjoy encouraging others to reach their potential.  Over the past 14 years, I’ve had great teachers and coaches that have inspired me to do my best.  Five summers as a camp counselor and a semester as a cadet teacher showed me that I can make a big impact on the lives of others.  I’m excited that my career gives me the opportunity to make a lasting impression on students.”

Katelynn Kingseed

E-mail: kkingsee@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education 
Hometown: Kokomo, IN
High School: Kokomo High School 
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, Delta Gamma Sorority, GERI Super Saturday Program, Purdue Alumni Student Experience.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I have always known that I wanted to become a teacher.  It is truly what I am most passionate about.  I had such wonderful teachers throughout my education, and I really learned to love school.  I want to teacher my students to love school as well.  I love working with children, and making a difference.  I honestly believe there is no more rewarding career than being a teacher, because I will have the chance to touch a child’s life every single day.

Kristen Lothamer

E-mail: lothamek@purdue.edu
Major: Special Education:  Mild Intervention/Elementary Education
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
High School:  Bishop Dwenger High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Purdue Student Education Association, Freshmen Honors Society.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I have always enjoyed working with children, and I want to inspire yoiung students.  Unfortunately, many students today do not enjoy learning, and as a teacher, I want to bring this excitement and appreciation for learning into the classroom.  Every child is capable of tremendous heights, and my goal is to help them reach it.  I want my students to learn the importance of school, succeed through hard work, and follow their dreams. 

Kelly McGushin

E-mail: kmcqushi@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
High School:  St. Charles High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Kappa Kappa Gamma Soriety.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
Ever since I was young I have known I wanted to help others in one way or another.  I have been very fortunate through out the years to have fantastic teachers that have not only shown me a love for learning but have made me want to teach others even more.  I have a passion for teaching.  I hope to be able to help students not only learn, but find joy in learning while helping them become successful.

Lauri Mitchell

E-mail: lmitchell@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Romney, IN
High School:  McCutcheon High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Boilger Gold Rush Team Leader, Windsor Residence Halls Vawter Senator, Boiler Blast, Intramural Softball.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I have always enjoyed the idea of teaching and kept it in mind as a possible career choice.  After teaching dance classes at the YWCA, I realized that I was very passionate impacting the lives of others, and I know that I will have that opportunity as a teacher.

Katie Myers

E-mail: kewebste@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Avon, IN
High School:  Avon High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as my career because I feel like it is what I am destined to be.  Ever since I was a little girl I always played teacher with a little tykes chalkboard and my brothers' old books.  I originally majored in entrepreneurship, but after my freshman year I knew it was the wrong decision.  When I changed my major to Elementary Education I immediately felt relief because I finally felt like I was going down the right path.  Teaching is something I know I can be good at and the profession fits with my desired lifestyle.  It's the perfect fit for me!  I look forward to being a part of my students lives and having a positive impact in the classroom.

Patrick Newton

E-mail: pnewton@purdue.edu
Major: Social Studies Education
Hometown: Fishers, IN
High School:  Fishers High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Wesley Foundation, Navigators, Diversikey.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I wanted a job where I thought I could serve as a mentor to others and enjoy doing it at the same time.   I noticed all throughout my schooling that several of my teachers were fun, friendly people who cared about my goals and aspirations in life.  I felt it was important to continue the legacy of the many great teachers who made my life better by teaching the next generation of students the same lessons I learned from my teachers and have fun doing it at the same time.

Kelsey Opperman

E-mail: kopperma@purdue.edu
Major: Special Education:  Mild Intervention/Elementary Education
Hometown: Hillsborough, NJ
High School:  Hillsborough High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, BRG Team Leader, Silver Wings, Purdue Gymnastics Club, alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta Sigma.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
Ever since I was younger, I have been drawn to helping children with special needs.  After volunteering at a special needs summer camp and gaining an amazing experience from that, I knew that teaching and working with students with special needs was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  I feel like this is my true calling and I hope to not only be a teacher, but a good role model who is able to influence my students for years after they have had me.

Joo Young Park

E-mail: park181@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education/Special Education -Mild Elementary
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
High School:  Myungduk Foreign Language High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Undergaduate Research Trainee (URT) Program, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
Education has been a basic part of our lives and because of it, it is easy for us to forget what it can do for us.  I believe the power of education can make a big difference towards the children all over the world by being a foundation for them to dream and for them to reach their goals.  By being a teacher I would like to reveal this hidden strength education has and show people how it can help young spirits grow.

Maleah Roberts

E-mail: robert45@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Yorktown, IN
High School:  Yorktown High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, PSEA (Purdue Student Education Association).
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I wanted to be in a career where I could make an impact on kids.  I belive that you can build better and more well rounded people if they are taught early on, and I want to be one of those people responsible for helping them along the way. 

Morgan Robinson

E-mail: robins34@purdue.edu
Major: Social Studies Education
Hometown: Greenwood, IN
High School:  Lutheran High School of Indianapolis
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Habitat for Humanity, College Republicans, and Intramurals.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as a career because I love the safe and challenging environment that teachers should provide for their students, while providing them with the tools to succeed.  I believe the best thing a teacher can do for their students is to educate and prepare their students for their future and the real world.  Ultimately, I chose teaching as a career because I want to assist students of all ages to realize their potential: while identifying and reaching their future goals.

Megan Roof

E-mail: mroof@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Fishers,  IN
High School:  Fishers High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, Purdue Student Government Student Organizational Outreach, Alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta Sigma member.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose to be a teacher because it is a job that is about more than just the salary.  Every day a teachers steps into the classroom to help form and shape a child’s future.  In my opinion, there is nothing more important than learning and understanding new concepts.  With learning, not only are students able to feel more confident in themselves, but they are able to decide their own future and make their own decisions.  It is important for a teacher to be a positive role model, leading their students in a positive direction in life.  A teacher plays a small role in a child’s life, or, if the teacher is good at their job, can shape a child’s future.  I chose to become a teacher because I had some teachers that inspired me to become the best I can be.  I hope that in the future I can follow in their footsteps and inspire my own students the way they did with me.

Addie Scott

E-mail: scott28@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Mulberry, IN
High School:  Clinton Prairie High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Ann Tweedale Cooperative House.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as a career because I love learning and sharing knowledge with others.  In high school I tutored other students in many different subjects, and it was a great experience.  Also, I love getting to know other people and helping others any way I can.

Chris Thomas

E-mail: cathomas@purdue.edu
Major: Social Studies Education
Hometown: Valparaiso,  IN
High School:  Emerson High School for the Visual and Performing Arts
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, S.E.E.D, Boiler Gold Rush Team Leader, Education Organizations Board.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I love history and in school it was looked at as the so called boring class to go to so I wanted to make it fun for people to learn.  Also I know I want to help others so I was sure that it was for me.

Mandy Tippmann

E-mail: artippma@purdue.edu
Major: Special Education:  Mild Intervention/Elementary Education
Hometown: Fishers, IN
High School:  Hamilton Southeastern High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Study Abroad, PSEC (Purdue Student Education Council), CHAPS (Children and Horses as Partners), Big Brothers/Big Sisters, DiversiKey.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I knew I wanted to teach since I was in third grade, but found out that I wanted to teach students with special needs after a cadet teaching experience in high school.  I want to help shape the future and to give all students a chance at a great education and a promising life.

Jenna Troxler

E-mail: jtroxler@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Logansport, IN
High School:  Logansport High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Super Saturday, Purdue University Gamers Group (PUGG)
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as my future profession because I feel like it is my true calling in life.  I love to help children and I find nothing more satisfying than helping them learn.  Also, I have been influenced by the many exceptional educators that I have had over the years.  I will strive to have a positive impact on my future students much like those teachers had on me.

Perry Van Boom

E-mail: pvanboom@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Laguna Hills, CA
High School:  Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors, Boiler Gold Rush Team Supervisor, Boiler Gold Rush Team Leader, Delta Gamma, Purdue Dance 2xs, Sigma Alpha Lambda.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as a career because of how rewarding it is to be the facilitator of learning and growth in young minds.  I absolutely love working with children, and nothing makes me happier than being able to impact a young student.  Through my career as a teacher, I  hope to impact the lives of the children that I am able to reach out to and that I am able to help them develop their skills as a students, as a leader, and as a friend.

Katelynn Worman

E-mail: kworman@purdue.edu
Major: Social Studies Education
Hometown: New Palestine, IN
High School:  New Palestine High School
Student Organizations: COE Ambassadors, Boiler Blast.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
Throughout my career as a student, I have had some great teachers.  I soon realized how much of an influence my teachers had on me.  They not only taught me the academic subjects, but also work ethic, responsibility, social tolerance, and personal values.  I want to one day make a positive difference in students' lives, just like some of the best teachers I had did for me.

Emily Zahn

E-mail: ezahn@purdue.edu
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Lafayette,  IN
High School:  Central Catholic High School
Student Organizations:  COE Ambassadors.
Why did I choose teaching as a career?
I chose teaching as a career becasue I love working with children.  I also think that teaching is one of the most rewarding careers and I will be able to touch many children's lives by teaching.  There have also been many teachers that have impacted my life during my years of education that have influenced me to want to be a teacher.