Susan Hessey, MEd '04

Experienced Educators Program
Department of Education

Crafting the Perfect Lesson

Susan Hessey, MEd '04 As a school librarian, Susan supports curriculum for children K-8. Susan says that the Experienced Educators Program's unique cluster concept and its flexibility were part of what made the program so powerful.

“My relationships with those in my cluster and with my teachers were characterized by excitement, engagement, intellectual rigor, professionalism, and kindness. These threads continued throughout the program. I was so fortunate to be sitting in a classroom with people whose heartfelt wish was to do their best to meet the needs of children and to come up with as many ways as possible to make that happen.”

“I am a more confident educator. I revel in the strength of my interpersonal and professional connections.”

“The program curriculum had the flexibility to adapt to individual needs without compromising rigor. As we progressed, the richness of the program and opportunities for applying our learning in our professional settings revealed themselves. Our teachers offered a rare balance of guidance and respect for our experience, interests, and individual needs. As cluster conversations grew richer, our learning was reinforced and amplified. Students and faculty were true collaborators in learning.”

Susan says that she now has a deeper understanding of children and she is better able to craft instruction and interaction to facilitate learning. “I am a more confident educator. I revel in the strength of my interpersonal and professional connections.”