story by Claire Miller
When former high school Latin teacher Susan Belmonte started looking for a doctoral program, she wanted to find one that she could pursue part-time while continuing her work at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“I wanted to be in a program that would expand my knowledge as a professional in the classroom and that was rooted in the research of teaching and how teachers are trained,” said Belmonte, a student in the College of Education & Human Development’s teaching and learning doctoral program. “I have gotten so much more than I expected and have been challenged in ways that have changed me for the better.”
She started the program in 2014, but at one point had to withdraw for a few years. Belmonte reenrolled in 2020 and aims to complete her dissertation, entitled, “Georgia's Protect Students First Act: Experience with Constraint for Anti-Racist Teachers” in summer 2024.
“The moment I was in my exam defense with my committee and my research advisor, Joyce Many, said I'd passed is my favorite moment from the program,” she said. “The months and months of preparation and the hours writing the exams were completely exhausting, but also exhilarating and exciting.”
Belmonte was recognized for her academic achievements at the College of Education & Human Development’s annual Honors Day Ceremony on April 16.
She is the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Ph.D. in Teaching and Teacher Education Award, which is given for academic achievement, teaching expertise, community service and a commitment to excellence.
“I feel so honored and privileged to be recognized in this way,” she said. “I can't thank the professors in the teacher education program enough, especially those on my committee.”
For more information about this year’s Honors Day recipients, visit https://education.gsu.edu/cehd-honors-day.