Corey Ferraro had his sights set on two things: becoming a teacher and attending the University of Colorado Boulder. The Master’s Plus Teacher Licensure program in the School of Education allowed him to check both of those boxes in just one year.
Becoming a teacher is a life change I have wanted for many years. Finally putting myself in the position to do this is a dream come true."
“It has been a desire of mine to get into teaching for several years,” said Ferraro, who grew up in Trinidad, Colorado. “Finally, last year I decided to make the attempt for my Masters + Certification. I have wanted to attend the University of Colorado from a very early age and finally being able to do so was an amazing experience. Graduating from CU represents a massive accomplishment for me.”
Not only is Ferraro graduating, but he has also been named the Outstanding Graduate for the MA+ program in Humanities Education, one-year immersive graduate program that leads to both a master’s degree and teacher licensure in English language arts or social studies teaching.
Ferraro’s professors commend his embodiment of the program’s commitment to teaching for equity and justice.
“Inquisitive and reflective, Corey is an exemplary student who embraces every learning opportunity and considers always how what he is learning applies to his work as an educator,” said Wendy Glenn, professor of Literacy Studies and chair for the Secondary Humanities program. “He pushes himself and his classmates to think more critically about course content and brings a positive, yet realistic, outlook to his work.”
The immersive program features a summer start and student teaching along with coursework during both fall and summer semesters. As a student teacher, Ferraro holds a deep sense of care for his students, and he draws upon his commitments to social justice to create a transformative and affirming classroom space.
“Corey is the type of teacher that students approach easily,” Glenn said. “He works with students to uncover the many unspoken complicated truths that exist inside them and the history books. It is inspiring to see Corey's students making their own apps to conceptualize the Industrial Revolution or analyzing historical art.”
Throughout what has been such a difficult year for many educators, Ferraro has demonstrated grace and positivity in his education courses and student-teaching classrooms. He will also draw on the connections he made in his program as he leads his own classroom next year.
“The greatest experience was being involved with such an amazing cohort of peers and an outstanding group of teachers,” he said. “Our program feels like a family, and I appreciate the relationships I have made and look forward to collaborating with this outstanding group for years to come.”
All combined, Ferraro is an extraordinary educator under extraordinary circumstances and beyond.
“Becoming a teacher is a life change I have wanted for many years,” he said. “Finally putting myself in the position to do this is a dream come true.”
What graduation means to Corey
Graduating from CU represents a massive accomplishment for me. I wanted to attend the University of Colorado from a very early age and finally being able to do so was an amazing experience. Becoming a teacher is a life change I have wanted for many years. Finally putting myself in the position to do it is a dream come true.”
Corey’s special thanks
First, I would like to thank my family! My wife Lindsey inspires me to reach for more and fully supports me.Second, I would like to thank the amazing School of Education faculty and staff. Israel is the best Academic Advisor out there. Wendy, Bethy, Sara, Kent, Andrea, Ben, Chelsea, and Dan are the dream team of teacher education! You all made this experience amazing. Thank you."
