Najoua Benothmane
Ed.D. in Gifted Education
Education Policy, Planning & Leadership
- 2022, William & Mary, Doctorate in Education, Gifted Education
- 2014, William & Mary, Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum & Instruction
- 2013, William & Mary, Bachelor of Arts, French & Francophone Studies and Fine Arts
What kind of educational and professional experiences did you have prior to beginning this degree?
Prior to beginning this degree, I worked as a French and International Baccalaureate teacher for the York County Public Schools. There, I was given the opportunity to bring creativity and innovation to my teaching. In addition to my experience teaching French, I also volunteered and taught arts at the Durham Park and Recreation, The Peninsula Fine Arts Center, and public schools in the area.
As a student pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum and Learning Design, why did you choose this field?
After working as an International Baccalaureate teacher and examiner, I became interested in adding theoretical knowledge to my experience in gifted education. The doctorate in education will enable me to gain credentials in the field, and open doors to partnerships in K-12 and Higher Education settings.
What do you hope to be doing after graduation? In 10 or 15 years?
I hope to be in a position to work in the field of gifted education, particularly twice-exceptional students, to bring awareness to their special needs. Additionally, I would like to contribute to the field of creativity and divergent thinking.
Why did you choose William & Mary and specifically your degree program? What sets this degree program apart from those offered at other colleges?
I selected the Executive Ed.D. program at William & Mary because it adapts to working educators. I was interested in the field of educational leadership and gifted education, and William & Mary provided both. As a working professional, I was interested in educational theories but mostly in their application to actual educational settings. My experience with William & Mary School of Education reinforced my choice to attend that institution. William & Mary has been the institution where I received my Bachelor's and my Master's degrees, and I was truly impressed by it. It is a prestigious university that caters to the needs of all its students and makes diversity a value and a priority. The support I received from administrators and faculty was outstanding and priceless. As an ESL student, I was able to gain confidence, and fulfill my potential.
What has been the most influential experience you've had so far in your program?
My most influential experience was being in a cohort made up of several fields such as K-12 and Higher Education. I was able to learn from my classmates' experiences and enrich my own knowledge of education. I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge in educational strategies that I intend to use to meet the needs of all my students.
Is there any additional information you would want a prospective student to know about the School of Education and its degree programs?
William & Mary is truly exceptional! Its vision and mission of excellence, innovation, teachers' effectiveness, and meeting the needs of all its students is what makes this institution outstanding. William & Mary provides a quality education that will add to your professional experience. This university gave me the opportunity to become a better person and make a difference in the life of my students and my community.
