Maureen Lonergan
Hometown: Oak Lawn, IL
Graduate Program: M.Ed. in Secondary Education in Biology, Donovan Urban Scholars
Undergraduate Institution: Boston College
Major: Biology
1.) What attracted you to the Lynch School?
Coming from my undergraduate experience at Boston College, I knew I wanted a teaching program with an emphasis on social justice. I found that passion for social justice and equality at the Lynch School, and I was attracted to the opportunities for urban teaching and working with students who are English Language Learners.
2.) How would you describe your experience at Lynch?
My experience with the Lynch School community has been wonderful. I am a part of the Donovan Urban Teacher Scholarship program, and my peers in that program are inspiring, intelligent, and welcoming. In my degree program, I am excited that I will complete my master's in one year. I also appreciate having had the same school placement for my practicums during the two semesters. I feel like there is a natural progression in my teaching and learning over the course of the whole year. Finally, my school placement, Boston Arts Academy, is a joyous and unique Boston public school where I have found many mentors and engaging students who have made my overall experience fun and personally meaningful.
3.) How do you hope to apply your degree after graduation?
Next year, I hope to use my degree to teach high school biology in a Chicago public school. I would like to work with students who are English Language Learners, and I would also enjoy teaching in an environment that welcomes and encourages innovative and culturally responsive education.
4.) What advice you would give to prospective students planning to apply?
I would say that prospective students should take advantage of the Lynch School faculty and staff. The Lynch School seems to genuinely want its students to succeed, and will give advice and resources to students that are serious about pursuing a degree at Boston College. This is an underestimated, but inexplicably valuable, resource for both prospective and enrolled students. Without Lynch School admissions officers, professors, and deans, I would not have found the Donovan Program.