Major: Secondary English Education
Faculty Shout-out by Professor Danielle Filipiak:
“Emma’s leadership example as co-president of our NCTE affiliate, and as a student enrolled in my Critical Literacies and Communities class, truly embodied the stance of openness and critical reflection needed to authentically consider and center issues of equity and justice. I’m so impressed by the work that she has continued to champion in our English Education program, and look forward to hearing more about the powerful work she will be taking up in schools in the years to come.”
How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?
My time as an English major at Michigan State University has been both transformative and affirming, shaping me into the educator and thinker I am today. I can say nothing but kind words about all my professors, as they have done so much to help me grow. Beyond the classroom, my involvement with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) allowed me to engage with a broader professional community, attend conferences, and reflect on what it means to be an intentional and equity-driven educator.
Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
My professors and NCTE supervisors, Dr. Filipiak and Dr. VanDerHeide, have shaped me so much into the educator I am today. They have given me many opportunities to push myself to consider my impact on students every single day. Student teaching has been the most transformative experience overall. That experience has prepared me for the next phase of my life by giving me both the confidence and the tools to enter my own classroom. I feel ready to be intentional—continuing to learn from my students while creating a classroom that prioritizes voice, inclusion, and critical thinking.
What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?
Get involved in professional organizations like NCTE, attend conferences, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas—those moments help you see yourself as part of something bigger. NCTE was the best decision I made here at MSU and has given me so many opportunities as well as resources to use. I was able to make connections with future English lovers around the world, and most importantly, have a group of friends that will last a lifetime!
What coursework-related projects were/are you working on this year, and what interests or excites you about them? (capstone courses, honors thesis, independent studies, etc.)
I’ve been designing and implementing full lesson plans and units for my 9th- and 11th-grade English classes, including units on texts like The Hate U Give and Frankenstein. What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to create lessons that are not only academically rigorous but also relevant and engaging for my students. I’ve especially enjoyed incorporating music, discussion-based strategies, and activities that center student voice, which has helped me see how powerful English classrooms can be when students feel connected to the content.
What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?
My hope is to land a teaching position at a school that feels like home, similarly to how MSU made me feel. I hope to find a space where I am welcomed and appreciated, and encouraged to share all that I have learned over the past few years!