Budget cuts, overcrowded classrooms, lack of food security, school violence, teacher turnover, an ongoing immigration crisis — America’s education system is vulnerable for these reasons and so many more.
Eleni, a current student enrolled in West Virginia University's Literacy Education graduate program, is pursuing this degree in order to positively impact the often volatile education field that exists today. She's also pursuing the respected Reading Specialist Certification, which is offered within WVU's Literacy Education program. Keep reading to learn about her inspiring academic journey.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Eleni Nardone. I am about to turn 25, and I am currently living in Wheeling, WV, which is where I grew up.
I graduated with my undergraduate degree from West Virginia University last spring (2018). I graduated with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education.
Are you currently working in an educational setting?
I am currently working as a Title I Mathematics Interventionist at a school in Ohio County called Warwood School. I attended the school I now teach at from 2000-2009 as a student. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to work at the school that made me into who I am today. I work with grades 5th-8th to help students understand and foster a love for mathematics! My role involves co-teaching and pulling small groups to help those who are struggling in math.
Talk about your experience in WVU’s Literacy Education graduate program.
My experience in WVU's Literacy Education program has been very positive. I was a little worried going into it that I wouldn't have time for everything (with this being my first year of teaching), but the professors are all extremely understanding and respectful of our time as busy educators. Their sole priority is to make us better teachers by helping to promote a love for literacy and an understanding of the best ways to implement it proficiently in our classrooms. I truly feel that all of my professors in this program greatly care about making our classrooms in West Virginia, and across the country, better.
My long term goal is to get an elementary education job in Ohio County when one becomes available. For this reason, I chose to pursue this graduate degree because I felt that I could grow most in my knowledge of literacy. I have always been most comfortable in mathematics and science, and therefore, really wanted to hone in on what I considered to be one of my weaker areas so that I can be the best that I can be for my students. I passionately feel that this program has helped me immensely in my knowledge of literacy, and I cannot wait until I get the opportunity to teach reading to my students. I no longer would refer to literacy as a weak area, which is all I could have asked for from this program!
List three practical, valuable ways that WVU’s LE program prepared you to impact real, tangible change as a reading specialist.
WVU's Literacy Education program prepared me to impact real tangible change by showing me how to really pick apart different literacy activities to decide if they are really effective. One of my favorite assignments that we did in the program was to find and critique pins on Pinterest. We had to decide if the activity truly taught the "skill" that it was claiming to teach in a practical way.
In addition, I feel that this program has helped me really reflect on my teaching. Through journaling and blogging for the online courses, I can say that I grew as a teacher SO much. I found myself asking: "What did I do well?” and “What could be improved?" each day after teaching. Writing these things down and collaborating with my peers to hear their thoughts has helped me refine and adjust my practices in my classroom.
Last, this class has walked me through so many different reading assessments that I did not have time to fully learn in my undergraduate courses. I now feel confident when thinking about administering these assessments to my students in the future. I think my lack of knowledge in these assessments, especially, was one of my main reasons for enrolling in this program, and I am so glad that I did! I have learned through my experience in mathematics teaching that even in math our students need to know how to read (hello word problems!).
What advice would you give to an aspiring LE student hoping to study at WVU?
Just do it! Don't feel like you won't have enough time or that it will be too much because the professors truly are so great to work with. They really do respect your time and you can work a full-time job and even coach a sport or two and still have time to get everything done! I know this sounds so hard to believe (I wouldn't have believed you either!), but I am living it! So I guess my advice would be don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game (Yes, I just quoted A Cinderella Story, but seriously you will learn so much and it will make you a better teacher. You can do it!).
What advice would you give to an aspiring LE student who is concerned with the idea of enrolling in a 100% online graduate program?
Online classes are amazing! The Literacy Education program contains all of the perks of being a lifelong learner, but you get to do it in your pajamas! I am always busy, so being able to decide which days I want to sit down and work on my classes is such an awesome thing. Online classes offer the most flexible schedule for our busy, educating lives. In addition, the tools that are used in the online classes are really neat! Through the use of webcams, I feel like I know my classmates even though I have never met a lot of them before. I look forward to actually meeting them in person at graduation!
Lastly, tell me about one experience with a professor that really impacted your experience at WVU in a positive way.
Allison Dagen is an amazing leader. When I was thinking about potentially doing this program during my undergraduate degree at WVU, she took time out of her day to meet with another student and me just to talk about any concerns we may have. I could tell, even then, how much she truly cares and how much of herself she has put into this program.
In addition, she taught my mom during her journey to become a Reading Specialist and knew who she was just by looking at me at that very first meeting! I think this says a lot about a Professor, for that was nearly 14 years ago and she still remembered her by name (without me even reminding her!). Moreover, she is always reaching out to her students to help them find scholarships and aid. She will do whatever it takes to help make this program a positive experience for all of her students.
Are you ready to transform the future of the next generation?
It’s exciting that you’re passionate about the field of education and that you’re considering honing your skills by pursuing the Master of Arts in Literary Education with a Reading Specialist Certification at West Virginia University. West Virginia University has identified five core values — Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability, and Appreciation — to guide the work of faculty, staff, candidates, and administrators. These values support the mission and vision of the LE program, and we are proud to announce that we have been awarded the International Literacy Association Certificate for Distinction for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (ILA CoD).
If you have questions about this graduate degree or about the graduate school admissions process, we invite you to visit our website for more information!
Are you passionate about the field of literacy education? Download A Guide for Literacy Educators Seeking a Reading Specialist Certification to learn more about boosting your career in education!
