As the fall semester came to a close, Warner University’s education department spotlighted three senior students during their final internships. Rebecca “Lacey” Collier, Kaylin Brown and Samantha Berube showcased exceptional dedication and professionalism as they honed their teaching skills in various classrooms and settings.
Lacey Collier, pursuing a degree in Exceptional Student Education, interned with 2nd-grade students under the guidance of Mrs. Elizabeth Barker at Providence Academy. Her experience highlighted her commitment to creating inclusive learning environments tailored to the needs of her students. Kaylin Brown, an Elementary Education major, interned in a 4th-grade classroom, also at Providence Academy, working closely with Mrs. Kerry Vogel. Kaylin’s work demonstrated her ability to engage and inspire young learners through innovative teaching techniques. Meanwhile, Samantha Berube, a Physical Education Education major, served at Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary School, working with K-5 students under the mentorship of Mr. Josh Edwards. Samantha brought energy and enthusiasm to her role, encouraging physical fitness and teamwork among her young students.
During their internships, these future educators were responsible for designing and delivering instructional units, immersing themselves fully in the daily life of their classrooms. They adhered to their host teachers’ duty hours, working Monday through Friday, and navigating the dynamic demands of teaching. Their ability to manage these challenges did not go unnoticed.
Dr. Lori Hutto, Professor of Education and Department Chair, expressed immense pride in their accomplishments. “I am very proud of their hard work,” Dr. Hutto shared. “The final internship is always challenging, but these three students learned how a teacher must often make adjustments due to unexpected events, such as the interruption of not one, but two hurricanes. The relationships they built with their host teachers and students were phenomenal. I had the pleasure of observing all three in the field and was very pleased with what I saw. They conducted themselves like seasoned professionals, rather than college seniors!”
Dr. Hutto also highlighted their impressive ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Lacey Collier continued to work with Warner’s admissions team, Kaylin Brown maintained her role as a member of the women’s lacrosse team, and Samantha Berube excelled as a member of the softball team. Despite these additional commitments, they managed their time effectively and excelled in their internships.
Lacey reflected on her time in the classroom stating, “”I am truly grateful for my internship experience at Providence Academy. Having the opportunity to teach a 2nd-grade class allowed me to figure out who I want to be as a teacher in my future classroom. Having such a hands-on experience helped me to see what life as a teacher will be like. I owe the amazing experience to Dr. Hutto as well as my host teacher. They mentored me throughout my internship and helped me realize that I’m walking into the true calling God has on my life.”
Warner University is proud to celebrate the achievements of these future educators. Their journey reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in education. As they move forward, Lacey, Kaylin and Samantha carry with them not only the skills they’ve developed but also the invaluable relationships and experiences that will guide them in their future classrooms.
