While completing his bachelor’s degree in social thought and political economy, Andrew LeFrancois discovered a passion for teaching through a service learning opportunity working with elementary students.
After graduation, LeFrancois began working at a local middle school where he spent two years serving as the In-School Suspension Specialist. The position allowed him to not only work with student, but also with administrators, social workers, teachers and a multitude of other education professionals. Through conversations with educators, he learned that to advance in a career in education, he would need to go to graduate school.
“Ultimately, I came to UNH for its reputation,” LeFrancois said. “It didn’t matter who I asked, everyone recommended the UNH Education program. Most programs only put you in the classroom for one semester. At UNH you have a full-year of supervised internship.”
LeFrancois’ graduate coursework at UNH has placed him in classrooms for practicum experiences.
“It’s a challenge trying to craft a lesson, it takes time and energy and it has to meet the needs of a diverse classroom," LeFrancois said. "Twenty students can look at a problem or lesson plan and see many different things.”
When LeFrancois is not studying, he works for the Derry Town Recreation Department facilitating sports programs for children.
“I like to bring what I have learned from lesson planning and apply it to coaching," LeFrancois said. "When kids achieve the goals you set out for them it feels great, but when they take the lesson in a direction you didn’t anticipate, it’s even better!”
Is a graduate degree in education right for you? Explore your options at our information session on Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the newly renovated Pandora Mill Building at 88 Commercial Street in Manchester. Register online or call 603.641.4313. For more information about all of the graduate program opportunities offered at UNH, click here.
