Sarah Ely, GSE ’17
Program: Dual Language/Bilingual Childhood General Education
Hometown: New Canaan, CT
Email: sely@bankstreet.edu
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Skidmore College (Spanish and Theater)
“I chose Bank Street for its strong Bilingual Education program, which was something that I was very much interested in pursuing. I met Dr. Luisa Costa, who explained that as part of an introductory bilingual course at Bank Street, students would be asked to write an autobiography of sorts, outlining their own personal bilingual journey. I believe that the commitment that Bank Street professors have to their students, their practice, and to New York City schools is outstanding. I am also a career changer (having been an actor), yet Bank Street encourages students like me to bring their knowledge and expertise into their teaching practice.”
“My hometown is Mexico City, and I initially heard about Bank Street through my childhood kindergarten. At that time, I was finishing up my undergraduate studies at Universidad Anahuac Mexico with a focus in Law but knew that I wanted to make a career change to education.
“Bank Street provides an intimate and exciting learning experience. If you are a learner who thrives in a group setting where your ideas and values are respected and encouraged, then Bank Street is the place for you. My advisor and teachers greet me by name and with a smile when we encounter one another within the walls of Bank Street and outside.
“I chose Bank Street because I loved seeing all of the children’s work during the tour. The classrooms at the Bank Street School for Children were a game-changer for me because I knew in my heart that student-driven work that’s organic and thoughtfully documented was at the heart of authentic teaching and learning. I graduated in 2012 from the Early Childhood Special Education program and was hired as a K-2 SETTS teacher at a charter school in Brooklyn.
“I first heard about Bank Street College from a friend who had just finished her first year. We attended the same undergraduate school and mentioned how similar both institutions were, such as their class size, support, and resources. During that time, I was deciding whether I should go to NYU or Bank Street. I then decided to take a tour and talk to the director of the program I was hoping to be part of. After these two opportunities, I knew Bank Street was the choice for me. This is my second year and I feel that I have grown as a student, learner, and teacher for my students. Due to my advisor, professors, and mentors, I feel prepared to continue to advocate for myself and to use my teaching philosophy in any school I teach in.”
“I was first introduced to Bank Street by an alumna of SUNY Oneonta during a phone conversation. I then began to look into Bank Street through its website and I attended an Open House as well as a Career Changers panel discussion. I also completed the Admissions Informational Interview and had a tour of the building. I fell in love! I loved the positive energy of all of the staff, as well as the fact that the building houses two major children’s programs as well as the graduate school. I also liked that the classes were nightly as opposed to weekends. The major thing that really caught my attention was the conference groups during fieldwork. They allowed me and my colleagues to meet on a regular basis with people on similar career paths and be observed by and meet with my advisor regularly.
“To be perfectly honest, I did not know much about progressive education when I began thinking about making a career change. I spoke to several friends who are in the education world and they all suggested I look at Bank Street. Between their recommendations, attending the career-changer forum, and looking through the school website, Bank Street was of high interest to me. What made me realize that Bank Street would be the best fit for me was going through the application process, which requires much more meaningful writing and self-reflection than any other program to which I applied. This seemed indicative of the approach taken in the Graduate School. My hunch was right! The program encourages reflection and deep learning; it was a perfect fit and I am so thankful for my time at Bank Street.”
“I decided to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education after many years of working as a paralegal. As I began looking into different graduate degree programs, my sister had recommended that I look into Bank Street because of the school’s exceptional programs. I attended multiple Open Houses and felt most supported at Bank Street. The professors and staff members available at the Open House truly believed in and were passionate about the work that was being accomplished at Bank Street, with a goal to educate the whole child. As I walked out of the Open House, I knew that I wanted to attend Bank Street.
“I chose Bank Street because I wanted to know more about what students are learning and engaging with in the classroom. I previously worked as an educational researcher with children and knew a lot about children’s development and assessment. However, I wanted to know more about progressive education and how to teach children in a dynamic and experiential way. Bank Street was the perfect place for me because the Literacy & General Education program was a perfect combination of both my interest and passion for children’s learning.”