Q&A by David Hoffman
It was important for Danielle Valenza (M.A.T. ’24) to find a master’s program that would prepare her to support students who are deaf and hard of hearing in diverse school settings.
She found what she was looking for in the College of Education & Human Development’s master’s degree in deaf education. In this Q&A, Valenza discusses the most meaningful parts of her time at Georgia State and how those moments will stick with her after graduation.
Q: What made you choose to earn your degree at Georgia State University?
A: “I chose to earn my degree at Georgia State University because of its strong reputation in education, particularly in special education and deaf education. The university’s emphasis on hands-on, real-world experience was a significant factor in my decision, as I knew this would prepare me to work effectively in diverse classroom environments. Additionally, the faculty’s expertise and commitment to research in inclusive education made me confident that I would receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education. The program also offered opportunities for collaboration and engagement with the local community, which was essential to me.”
Q: Were there any major achievements/milestones that you reached during your degree program? Tell a little about the achievement/milestone and why it's meaningful for you.
A: “A meaningful achievement or milestone I reached during my degree program was completing my practicum at a school for the deaf. This experience allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I had gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, working directly with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It solidified my passion for teaching in this specialized field. I developed practical skills in communication, lesson planning and adapting instructional strategies for diverse learners, which gave me the confidence to pursue a career in deaf education.”
Q: What was your favorite experience in your degree program in the College of Education & Human Development? What makes that experience important/meaningful to you?
A: “One of my favorite experiences during my degree program in the College of Education & Human Development was collaborating with fellow students on a research project to improve literacy outcomes for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Working together, we explored different instructional strategies and presented our findings. This experience was significant because it combined my passion for deaf education with a practical opportunity to contribute to the field. It also allowed me to develop strong relationships with peers and professors, which enriched my learning experience.”
Q: What's something you've learned in your degree program that you'll apply to your work after you graduate?
A: “One of the most valuable things I learned during my degree program is how to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, especially in an adaptive curriculum setting. Understanding how to modify lessons, assessments and communication strategies for students with varying abilities has been crucial. I'll apply this knowledge by continuing to create accessible, individualized learning experiences that ensure all my students, including those who are deaf or have other disabilities, can engage meaningfully with the content. This approach will help me foster a more inclusive classroom environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: “I am teaching middle school in an adaptive curriculum education class at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf.”