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Washington State University
College of Education

Getting to Know You: McKenzie Creagan

McKenzie Creagan

McKenzie Creagan — Elementary Education

Hometown: Lynnwood, WA

Year: Junior

Why do you want to become a teacher?
I want to become a teacher because I want my students to enjoy school and be excited about their education. I want to encourage young minds to be creative and go beyond the resources that they are provided. It is my job to create a classroom environment where everyone feels valued and safe. I want to be a teacher because there are so many students out there who never understood their true potential. I might have the future president, scientists, dancers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, etc. in my class, and I want them to know that they can achieve anything that they set their mind to.

What/who inspired you to become a teacher?
My grandparents are the reason that I want to become a teacher. My grandpa was a middle school teacher and my grandma taught kindergarten. They would always tell me crazy stories about their teaching experiences and how they loved their jobs. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher when I would play “school” with my grandpa and my barbie dolls. Eventually, my love for teaching began to grow and I felt like this was the path that I was supposed to follow. I am so happy that I did!

What is your favorite part of this program?
My favorite part of the program is being involved with the local elementary schools and making a lot of new friends in my classes. I am currently doing my general education practicum and special education practicum at two different elementary schools throughout the week. It has been such a neat experience to get to know many of the teachers and students at each of the schools. Additionally, the program is set up into four different blocks. I feel very fortunate to have had a very close block/section since the beginning. I have made many great friends and we all help each other grow!