Student Spotlights

Sasha Merceron earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University in 2020 and began her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Elementary Education in Fall 2024. She is currently a 2nd Grade Teacher, where she applies her growing expertise in curriculum design to support her students’ learning. Her favorite experience in the program has been exploring the history and theory of curriculum design and connecting it directly to her classroom practice. Through case studies and research, she was able to see how theory translates into real instruction, which strengthened her teaching and made the program especially meaningful. Sasha credits her FAU experience with providing both research-based insights and practical strategies that have deepened her teaching and prepared her for future leadership roles in curriculum and instruction. Her advice to new students is to make meaningful connections between coursework and personal experiences to bring learning to life. To those entering the profession, she emphasizes giving yourself grace, building strong relationships with students and families, and keeping your passion for teaching at the center of your work

Robert Antonio Bogle IV is entering his third year in the Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program. He brings a strong interest in data, data collection, and research, with academic focus in elementary science, STEM, and instructional design. His research centers on integrating developmentally appropriate technology in K–2 classrooms and on equitable access to instructional technology in early learning, which he views as underexplored yet foundational to long-term student success. A highlight of his experience in the Ph.D. program has been attending and presenting at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference, where exposure to diverse ideas and conversations with mentors Dr. Jillian Powers, Dr. Susannah Brown, and Dr. Ann Musgrove left a lasting mark. His experience includes service as a Graduate Researcher and Teaching Assistant, presentations at SITE and the Association for Ubiquitous and Collaborative Educators, publications in the Journal of Literacy and Technology and the Journal of Interactive Learning Research, and leadership as co-chair of SITE’s Information Literacy Education Special Interest Group. These roles have strengthened his skills in research methodology, data collection, and analysis. After graduation, he aims to serve as an education researcher in a university-based center or an applied policy institute such as the American Institutes for Research or the RAND Corporation, contributing to large-scale studies at the intersection of instructional design, early STEM education, and developmentally appropriate technology use in K–2 classrooms.

Marijayne McMahon is beginning her second year in the Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program. Her research examines how educational standardization affects teacher autonomy and instructional practice, with a broader interest in education policy and how legislation translates into classroom realities. She names weekly collaboration with her cohort, on Zoom and in person, as a highlight that has sharpened her thinking and strengthened her learning. Marijayne has studied policies that drive standardization, including HB 1467, and their impact on teachers. She is advancing a collaborative research project with a cohort colleague and co-authoring a chapter with her advisor. She has presented at conferences such as the FAU Brainwaves Symposium, where she shared work on guided notes in elementary education. After graduation, she plans to pursue a faculty role in higher education focused on teacher preparation and educational research, with a continued commitment to strengthening teacher autonomy so policy and practice support student-centered learning.

Abigail Woods is a current FAU Elementary Education student who began the program in Fall 2022. She feels that guided coursework, extensive classroom experience, and mentorship from experienced educators has shaped her preparation as a future teacher. Her favorite experience so far has been joining FFEA, which has helped her build strong connections across the College of Education and the broader community. Abigail says her time at FAU has been crucial in preparing for her career, and the Elementary Education program has both guided and supported her goals. Her advice to new students is “Be open to every opportunity that comes your way, such as introducing yourself, participating in events, or joining a club, because the College of Education provides a welcoming environment where getting involved makes all the difference”.

Maria Soto is a third-year doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, completing her final course in the program. Her research focuses on adult ESL education in community-based settings, volunteer instructor development, and the ways immersive language learning experiences can foster empathy and culturally sustaining pedagogical practices among monolingual educators serving adult language learners.
Maria has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the past two years and has presented at several conferences, including the Florida Educational Research Association, Florida Literacy Coalition, and the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education. She has published in Voices of Reform on the impact of SIPPS on English language learners’ reading success and served as a reviewer for FERA’s Teacher Inquiry Section. Her leadership roles include service on the Student Achievement Council’s Distinguished Teacher of the Year subcommittee for two years, marketing coordinator on the executive board, and currently co-vice president overseeing DTOY efforts.
After graduation, Maria plans to pursue a faculty position in higher education where she can continue advocating for effective, culturally sustaining curriculum and instruction for English language learners, while conducting research and preparing the next generation of educators.