CSU celebrates graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling Cleveland State University’s mission in or outside the classroom.

Today, we celebrate Madyson Morris ‘25. 

CSU: Have you had any significant Internships/Co-ops/Careers while at CSU?

MM: This past year I have had the great opportunity to complete my student teaching internship within the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. For my student teaching internship, I was placed in a Pre-K classroom with fifteen 4 and 5-year-olds, where some have never experienced a school or structured environment. For most, Pre-K is their first experience with school, which means a lot of learning will need to take place to help them know how school works and how to function in a structured environment. I knew this would be a challenge, but I was excited for a challenge. The fact that I got to be included in such a milestone for these students and make such an impact on their lives was truly something so special. 

My student teaching internship allowed me to fully take control of all teachers and classroom responsibilities. I planned and implemented all lessons, provided differentiation for all different learning needs and learning types, I assessed and gathered data and information to drive my instruction from day to day. I built and maintained relationships with my students to get to know each one of my students, their strengths, areas of need, their interests and learning styles, in order for me to learn how to best serve and help them. I also built and maintained relationships with my students’ parents and families to bridge the gap between home and school. 

With well-developed and maintained relationships between school and home, I can partner with families to bring forth the most success and growth for these students. I believe that what is learned in school should be reiterated and enhanced at home as well, and having these relationships is the most effective way to achieve this and through my student teaching I have truly been able to exercise these beliefs. I also had the great opportunity to lead spring parent-teacher conferences to talk with families about their students' growth throughout the year and any concerns myself or my mentor teacher had for their students.

My student teaching internship has definitely prepared me in all aspects to help me become a teacher, and I am excited to see what the future holds for me and the students that I will get to impact in a positive light.

CSU: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at CSU?

MM:  The connections that I have made with faculty and staff at CSU have been so valuable. The mentorship and guidance that I have been shown by the Early Childhood Education professors and the Office of Field Services staff in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education has been crucial to my success at CSU. The faculty and staff in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education are extremely supportive and helpful. They are truly willing to support and help in any way, shape, or form, in any capacity that they can, around the clock. A special shoutout to Gail Nelson and Dr. Markita Warren, as they have had a significant impact on my career at CSU. Both individuals are readily available at any time of the day, willing to help in any way that they can, and go out of their way to encourage and support me as best as they can. I am forever grateful for the role of Gail Nelson and Dr. Markita Warren has played in my career at CSU, and also to the other faculty and staff who have helped me along the way and have made meaningful contributions to my time at CSU.

CSU: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?

MM: Cleveland State has inspired me for my future by providing me with ample opportunities and experiences to learn and grow into the best person and teacher that I can be. Without these experiences, I would not have learned all that I have learned about the educational field and what it takes to be a great teacher.

CSU: How do you think you have fulfilled the CSU’s mission?

MM: I believe there are several ways that I have fulfilled CSU’s mission. I take my academics very seriously and I take great pride in my studies, grades and work ethics. I believe that I am an active participant in my classes, utilizing my leadership skills to ensure that I am contributing to class discussions, my learning, and the learning of others. I actively try to build myself up and others in the classroom and encourage, support and celebrate everyone’s success, ultimately empowering others. 

There are also several ways that I engage with the community, as a student teacher and CSU cheerleader, there are ample opportunities for this. As a student teacher some ways that I engage with the community happened through tutoring and encouraging families in my school to participate in community events and opportunities and to utilize all the wonderful things that Cleveland has to offer. As a CSU cheerleader, I have had an amazing opportunity to contribute to Cleveland in many ways, one of which was serving as an ambassador for the university, ultimately being a representative at many events on campus and being a full-time advocate for CSU, encouraging others to further their academic careers at this wonderful university. 

I have taken great pride in my time at CSU these past four years during my Undergrad, as I pursued my bachelor’s degree in P-5 Education, trying to continually advocate for the university in a positive light, express my leadership skills, empower others and engage in the community.

Congratulations, Madyson!