Jada Hopson: Finding Flexibility, Growth and Confidence as an Educator

ATLANTA — In the College of Education & Human Development's Urban Accelerated Certification and Master’s Program (UACM), Jada Hopson (B.A. ’18, M.A.T. ’25) has learned foundational knowledge about classroom management and participated in hands-on student teaching experiences that shape how she approaches her teaching career.

In this Q&A, Hopson discusses what it was like attending her mom’s alma mater, her favorite class in her master’s program and how she’s grown as an educator.

Question: What made you choose to earn your degree at Georgia State University?

Answer: My mother graduated from Georgia State University in 2018 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies (in child development and counseling, specifically). I earned my bachelor's degree in film, media and theatre from Georgia State in 2021. Graduating from the same university means a lot to me because my mom was my biggest motivation while I was navigating college. We share the same alma mater, the same history and the same campus memories. It adds another layer of pride and connection because she genuinely understands what I experienced as a student.

Q: What was your favorite class in the UACM program, and what did you learn from it?

A: One of my favorite courses in this program was classroom management with Clinical Professor Nancy Schafer. It shaped my best practices as a teacher and taught me critical foundational pieces of opening a school year that I might have missed if I entered the classroom without formal training.

Q: What was your favorite experience in the UACM program? What makes that experience important/meaningful to you?

A: My favorite experience was working with my peers at different schools throughout Atlanta. I was able to see the dynamics of schools I haven't been to or worked at before. I worked at Hutchinson Elementary School and Corners Academy, which was a church-based program. Those experiences strengthened my ability to confidently teach multiple grade levels outside of kindergarten, which was my initial teaching experience at that time. Through UACM, I gained the confidence to apply for and secure a third-grade teaching role, which later led to me comfortably transitioning into second grade. I learned that strong teacher preparation and exposure to diverse classrooms directly translates into flexibility, growth and confidence as an educator.

Q: What was a major achievement/milestone that you reached during your degree program? Why is it meaningful to you?  

A: Graduating with a master’s degree is my biggest life accomplishment since receiving my bachelor’s degree. I've worked as a teacher for the past four years, and Georgia State has prepared me for more years as a professional with transferable skills.