story by Claire Miller
In the fall, Leah Harris and her classmates in the social studies education M.A.T. program traveled to Montgomery, Ala., to visit The Legacy Museum, which chronicles the history of slavery in the U.S. and its impact over the years.
“I learned a lot, especially about the Middle Passage in the transatlantic slave trade and how Alabama was part of that,” she said. “Before anything else, I am a historian. I love a good museum. And this was an experience that made our classwork really engaging.”
Harris was a provisional teacher at a private school before joining the social studies education program in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education. Now, she’s student teaching at David T. Howard Middle School in Atlanta and learning as much as she can from her advisor, Clinical Associate Professor Chantee Earl.
“Having the connections and the support to do these things means a lot to me,” she said. “I feel very supported within the College of Education & Human Development, with my professors and with my peers.”
Harris 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 M.A.T. Student Award in Social Studies Education, which recognizes a social studies education student for their academic achievement, teaching expertise, community service and commitment to excellence.
“It means a lot to me to be recognized in the field I love,” Harris said. “I’ve wanted to be a social studies teacher since the fourth grade, and this program has opened up new paths in my life.”
For more information about this year’s Honors Day recipients, visit https://education.gsu.edu/cehd-honors-day.