Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) Student Teachers Spring 2025
Top: Jesse Drozd (Chem), Sarah Roberge (Bio-Med Eng), Vaansh Mansharamani (CS)
Middle: Ally Morin (BS/MS Chem), Jillian DiBonaventura (Director, TPP), Lucas Dion (RBE)
Front: Sam Simmons (Management Information Systems), Mike Nixdorf (Applied Physics)
May 7th marked the end of the term for all WPI students, but it was especially meaningful for seven students in the Teacher Preparation Program. These teacher candidates completed their student teaching in the Worcester Public Schools, finishing the practicum required for Massachusetts state licensure. Along the way, they made a positive impact on many young lives.
As they wrapped up their coursework and portfolios, the students exchanged heartfelt goodbyes and meaningful mementos, reflecting on the journey of becoming educators. Our TPP seniors, Allison Morin and Michael Nixdorf, plan to pursue teaching as a career and will begin working in classrooms this fall. Both demonstrate a passion for teaching and understand that building strong relationships with students is just as important as the content itself.
The Teacher Prep program focuses on connecting with students, encouraging learning through mistakes, supporting all learners to achieve their best, and inspiring curiosity and critical thinking through phenomenon exploration and inquiry-based lessons.
The Teacher Preparation Program continues to grow, with 30 more undergraduate students working toward Massachusetts educator licensure as part of their STEM Education-Teaching minor in conjunction with their major area of study. Students are looking forward to registering for our new course, EDU 3300/PSY 3300: Supporting Diverse Learners in STEM Education, which will launch in Spring 2026.