Getting to Know You: Madison Hammond

^{College of Education} _{Getting to Know You: Madison Hammond}

Madison Hammond -Elementary Education with a Middle School Science Endorsement

Hometown: Renton, WA

Year: Junior

Have you always known you want to teach?

When I was little I read a paragraph about an author and it said she started out as a teacher. Throughout high school, I volunteered with kids, and it wasn’t always just tutoring. I was hanging out and playing games.

Why do you want to become a teacher?

I think about my classroom and my students and I want to do the best for them. I definitely want to teach at a title one school. I’ve worked with kids in those hard situations and I think that is where I can make the most impact.

What made you come to WSU?

I really loved the community. Everyone really cares about the school. I was really interested in Western and toured the campus, but I loved how excited everyone was about WSU. I did the experience WSU program and really loved it. Plus the education program was more what I was looking for at WSU.

What grade do you want to teach?

An elementary school would be fun too but I definitely want to teach middle school. They’re so funny. My practicum is in a middle school classroom and I’m loving it. It’s super cool to be able to experience this new atmosphere.

What are you most excited for?

I am most excited to get into the content. The class I’m in now, the kids are sitting quietly and taking notes. They don’t have to say they want to be a scientist but I want them to have fun in class.

What advice do you have for freshmen?

You’re going to have to take a lot of classes where you’re sitting and wondering, “Why am I taking this?” then you’re going to get the letter that says you are in the program and it is all going to feel really worth it.

What impact do you hope to make on your students?

I want my students to feel like they can accomplish something and they can succeed. In my K-12 experience, I felt that a lot of things were pitted against me. I felt that it was hard to do well. I don’t want my students to feel that way.