Caroline Braun came to Wake Forest because she wanted a new experience outside of her home state of Minnesota. She hadn’t spent much time in the South, and she wanted a smaller school that still achieved the big school spirit. Plus, she said, Wake Forest’s strong education program was “enticing.”
Braun said she always knew that teaching was her calling, but she wasn’t positive she wanted to pursue it as a career. However, after taking her first elementary education class, she confirmed her passion.
“I could’ve declared my major on the first day,” Braun said.
She said she’s been drawn to education since she was a child.
“I always grew up playing school and both of my grandparents were teachers,” Braun said. “I loved elementary school. I loved my teachers.”
Braun said one of the most important lessons she’s learned studying education at Wake Forest is that the classroom environment is extremely influential to the students’ experience.
“Creating a sense of comfort in the classroom is important,” Braun said.
A necessary part in creating a productive and healthy classroom environment is understanding that everyone is different, Braun explained.
“Everyone learns very differently,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard to put aside the way that I learn and do things. You really have to get to know everyone and their differences and work with them.”
Reflecting on her own learning experiences, Braun said her best teachers have been those who truly get to know their students. She named Jeff Faullin and Eleni Caldwell, both professors in the education department, as particularly caring.
Braun said her favorite class was EDU 102L, where she got to observe classrooms, spend time with students and talk with administrators at a variety of local public and private schools.
She also praised her classroom management class.
“If you can’t manage the class, you are not gonna get things done,” Braun said. “Establishing your rule and routine at the beginning is really important. You need to establish your expectations.”
When asked what her favorite subject was growing up, Braun laughed.
“My favorite subject was always reading,” Braun said. “I actually found teaching reading to be the hardest, which is funny. I think because it is easy for me, it is hard to understand what exactly they are struggling with and understand that experience.”
Braun expressed her appreciation for the education department for supporting her in overcoming these challenges.
“They are a close-knit group of people, which aligns with the profession,” Braun said. “You have to be passionate about it to be successful. You can tell everyone in the department loved teaching and loved teaching us.”
Next fall, Braun will begin her master’s in arts and education at Wake Forest. She is excited to continue her education at her undergraduate alma mater.
“I’m happy to be at Wake Forest again,” Braun said. “I love the department and the professors. I know it’s gonna be great.”
