Alexis Novell

ELED Ambassador Spotlight Questions

Where are you from?

Centreville, VA

Why did you decide to become an elementary teacher?

I discovered that I am patient and that is when I knew that teaching elementary students is the right path for me. I want to witness each one of my students’ progress, growth, and change as they learn with me. I value making sure that each student is supported and welcomed as they go through their student experience. I think back to when I was in elementary school and how much I appreciated it when a former elementary teacher had helped me with a learning task that I struggled with. In turn, my teachers would differentiate my learning. That is another reason I decided to become a teacher. I want to help students who learn differently. I want to do the best I can to provide the right amount of support and guidance to them in any learning method they need. I want them to know that they are capable of success and that they can reach the same goals, no matter the learning style.

Why did you choose to study Elementary Education at Mason?

I chose to study Elementary Education at Mason because after completing a fourth-grade internship during my junior year of high school. I realized it is my passion to teach elementary students by becoming an elementary teacher. Before graduating high school, I looked at the breakdown of the Elementary Education requirements, classes, what the major offers, and how it leads to being in a program that helps guide you to becoming a teacher. After reading all of the information about the major, I instantly knew that I wanted to study Elementary Education at Mason.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to watch and stream my favorite TV shows. I like to listen to my favorite music, which is a mix of pop, R&B, and hip-hop. I enjoy catching up with recent and old friends, taking care of myself physically and mentally, and organizing my house. If the weather is nice, I like to spend my free time outside.

What is one thing you have learned in the program that you cannot wait to try in your own classroom?

This is a hard question! I cannot wait to try practicing mindfulness with my students as a classroom management strategy that I learned in ELED 443 during Fall 2022. I like how it touches on helping students’ socio-emotional development because students can get stressed and can get anxious just like adults. I cannot wait to try different mindfulness tools with my students such as deep breathing, playing soothing music, and writing your thoughts down on a piece of paper. I do not remember getting to practice many mindfulness activities when I was an elementary student, so getting the opportunity to do so with students would be a treat. I value mental health and wellbeing, so incorporating this into my classroom is a no brainer.

What is your favorite ELED class you have taken so far? Why?

My favorite ELED class that I have taken so far is ELED 453 Science Methods for Elementary Education where I got to create a series of three days’ worth of creative lesson plans all based on matter. One reason why science methods was my favorite class was because my professor provided us with a journal to document what we are currently wondering about. Science has always been my favorite subject, so I was happy to have taken a science methods class after a long time away from it!

What advice would you give to the students who are just starting the ELED program?

The advice I would give would be to take each step and thing that you learn in the program one thing at a time because there is so much you can learn from how to manage a classroom to how to support diverse families. I would also recommend getting involved in the Educators Rising Collegiate because you can connect with other students who are not only majoring in Education but have some type of interest in teaching! Lean on your classmates when you need help because they could know something that you don’t! Start studying for licensure tests sooner rather than later. Finally, advocate for yourself when you are talking to your professors, and if you have a concern or worry, the professors in the program are there if you need them!