Susan Thacker-Gwaltney
M.A.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction - Special Education
Education
William & Mary, M.A.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction - Special Education
Describe your career and how the William & Mary School of Education helped prepare you.
Back in 1988, I was a senior at William & Mary, a Psychology major, English minor, with no idea what I was going to do when I finished. After completing a few internships involving children with diverse backgrounds/needs, a W&M School of Education professor encouraged me to consider Special Education. I completed an M.A.Ed. in Special Education at the W&M School of Education. I taught in K-5 self-contained classrooms for students with learning disabilities and emotional/behavioral disorders for 7 years in Virginia and Atlanta. I realized that all my students had reading difficulties, but I didn’t have the knowledge to help them effectively, so I returned to grad school and got a Ph.D. in Reading Education.
I’m currently a faculty member at UVA’s School of Education where I train teachers and future reading specialists. I have worked in education for over 30 years. I cannot think of a more fulfilling role than helping students and teachers understand how literacy develops and how to teach kids to read, write, and spell.
Why did you choose to apply to William & Mary and specifically to your program?
I was already an undergraduate at W&M working on a Psychology degree. A class on students with learning disabilities really sparked my interest. I was encouraged to apply for a full scholarship to train as a special educator.
What has been the most influential experience as an alum?
Even though I moved away from Williamsburg in the 1990’s, I returned to the ‘burg and made it my home again in 2004. I often work with local principals and teachers throughout this region of Virginia, and saying I’m a W&M alum is both a source of pride and connection. The school districts of this region value the work of W&M’s School of Education.
Any additional information you think a prospective student should know about the School of Education and our degree programs?
I continue to interact with W&M School of Education faculty members in my role at UVA through professional conferences and networks. The W&M School of Education gave me my start in my career and sparked a lifelong love of learning.
