Profiles & testimonials

Hear about our students’ experiences while in the College of Education at NAU

We are proud to share student testimonials with you, for additional insight to our programs. Northern Arizona University’s College of Education students’ feedback and testimonials are integral to our continued success, as we value each student’s opinion and utilize information such as this to guide us in advancing our purpose.

If you would like to see what our alumni say about our programs, please visit our featured alumni page.

Student profiles

“I feel I am prepared for my career because of the hands-on training I received through the student teaching program. We talked about classroom management, but when I stood in front of a class of 25 or 30 kids for the first time, I saw the positive impact I could make. Student training made all the difference for me.”

– Ivonne Martinez, BS Education, 2017

“Thank you so much for your help and belief in my work. It has definitely given me some hope (and belief of my own) that I’m on to something…I just have to find the opportunities. I know that as scary as it was, my choice to go to NAU did not just happen—it happened for a reason, and I’m so much better for it. Thank you!”

– Vanessa, Special Education

“I cannot begin to explain how much I have enjoyed and appreciated the way you have presented new materials each and every week. You make learning fun, while teaching information in a straightforward manner. All of the valuable information I have learned over the past couple months will be utilized at my workplaces. You have opened my eyes to the world of behavior!”

– Brenda, Educational Technology

“I really enjoyed the coursework from knowledgeable professors who are caring and want to see each student succeed.”

– Michelle Novelli, NAU 2000, 2006, 2014, and current EdD Scholar

“My preference for NAU College of Education Educational Leadership graduates is clearly evident in our numbers: 70% of our leadership team (assistant principals, principals, and assistant superintendents) hold their master’s degrees from NAU, and four of the last five new administrators were NAU grads.”

– Nicholas Clement, Superintendent, Flowing Wells Unified School District, Tucson, AZ

“Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an excellent program that has allowed me to engage in an introspective process of learning more about myself while developing an understanding of counseling skills and knowledge. The faculty have been highly supportive and available throughout the program, which has been a key ingredient to my success. I feel grateful for both the educational and personal growth I have gained from this program.”

– Jade Heffern, MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling

“Studying in the Counseling and Student Affairs program at NAU has been the best decision I have made. When I looked for a graduate program that would prepare me to work in the field of Student Affairs and would also help me develop the skills and knowledge of counseling/mentoring/advising/interviewing, I found this was exactly the program I needed. The courses, graduate assistantship, internship, and practicum from this program helped me achieve my academic and professional goals as an international student. I am extremely thankful for the support from the faculty and the small cohort. This is more than a program. It is a family.”

– Boshi Wang, MEd Counseling-Student Affairs

“The School Psychology EdS program and the Department of Educational Psychology have made my first year in graduate school more than worth it. The first-year curriculum covers so much ground and cultivates such passion in students that most of us constantly seek information outside of class about the practice and field. The college allowed a group of students from the various programs to start an advocacy group to advocate for students and clients within our fields.”

– Renee Hamilton, EdS School Psychology

“There were many great things about the TIPP program. I was allowed to be the teacher on record for my ‘student teaching’ year. This was a great learning experience because I had a lot of help along the way. I had a great advisor I could contact at anytime if I needed help or needed resources. My advisor was very knowledgeable and if she could not help me, she would contact someone to quickly find the solution.”

– J. Hase

“The TIPP program allowed me to keep working with students in my class, where I gained important information and expert support.”

– M. Novelli