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Success Stories

Graduates of Early Childhood programs are all over the state of Michigan. Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you! Send your update to Deb Lively at dlively@svsu.edu or Anne Tapp at artapp@svsu.edu.

Brad Gomoluch

Brad Gomoluch,Director of Early On Services for Saginaw ISD

Birth-5 Special Service Supervisor, Saginaw ISD

"The following list highlights my reasons for selecting Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) for my undergraduate and graduate degrees:

  1. SVSU has a great academic reputation, especially in the area of teacher education and early childhood.
  2. SVSU’s college of education is recognized by employers for having high standards.
  3. SVSU has a lower cost per credit hour than other highly recognized institutions.
  4. SVSU’s early childhood program is nationally accredited and was field-based, allowing for an opportunity to apply theory into a classroom setting.
  5. SVSU provided a comprehensive array of degrees right in my backyard.
  6. The faculty went above and beyond to ensure my success.
  7. I became empowered at SVSU!"

Kerri LaDuke

Kerri LaDuke was named Teacher of the Year 2016.

2016 Teacher of the Year for Warren Consolidated Schools.

Nicole Napolitano

Nicole Napolitano is the Bay-Arenac ISD Early Childhood Specialist.

Bay-Arenac ISD Early Childhood Specialist

The Early Childhood program at SVSU gave me extensive knowledge and training in developmentally appropriate practices and how to apply them in a variety of settings including home visiting, special education, and general education programs.  Specifically, my time at SVSU gave me insight on the theory behind best practices so that I could evaluate trends in education, apply my background and knowledge, and assist in developing programs that allowed for students of varying backgrounds to be highly successful.  In addition, the relationships that I built with faculty and staff at SVSU have provided me with mentorship and opportunities for growth throughout my career!

Elise Nicol

Elise Nicole is the GSRP Director and Lead Teacher of Marlette Schools.

Marlette Schools GSRP Director and Lead Teacher

One of the key ways the Early Childhood Program prepared me for the real world of teaching was by providing an abundance of field work opportunities. In almost every class I took, I spent hours in local schools: observing and interacting with teachers and students in real classroom settings. It was in that time I spent teaching lessons and working with the students that I began to find confidence and to see myself as the teacher instead of just a college student. 

Another key way the Early Childhood Program prepared me for the teaching world was the support and expertise of the program’s professors. I developed personal relationships with all of my professors that still remain today. I remember calling up one professor when I was frantically trying to start my GSRP program. She answered my questions, listened to my ideas, and gave me the reassurance that I needed to keep going. This support isn’t unique to me. I know that the other students who have graduated from the Early Childhood Program would agree that the support we received was instrumental in our success.
Students in the program are not just told how to be teachers. Instead, students are fully immersed in teaching, whether they are on campus and out in the school systems. Through this method, the Early Childhood Program creates passionate, knowledgeable, and confident teachers ready to take on their own classrooms.

Contact Us

coeconnect@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4057(989) 964-4057
Toll-free: 1-800-968-2540

Dean

James E. Tarr, Ph.D.

Acting Assistant Dean & Professor

Colleen D'Arcy, Ph.D.

Office

College of Education Dean's Office
Gilbertson Hall, North 275
University Center, MI 48710
989-964-7107
coe-dean@svsu.edu

Hours

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.