Stephen F. Austin State University secondary education senior Katie Peterson was awarded the Ann Rogers Scholarship from the Texas Social Studies Supervisors Association. Peterson is student teaching 11th grade U.S. history at Cy-Fair High School.
The scholarship benefits a social studies student teacher in Texas. It is named in honor of Ann Rogers, who served as the director of social studies for the Texas Education Agency for 10 years.
“Winning this scholarship means everything to me. It is an immense help in pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming an educator,” Peterson said. “Due to this scholarship, I have been able to solely focus on improving my teaching skills and knowledge.”
A Cypress native, Peterson’s high school teachers inspired her to pursue a degree in education. She said her teachers’ passion for their subjects and dedication to their students motivated her to enter this field.
“I knew I wanted to be like them. I chose to teach history because I loved the subject in high school. I find the connections from the past to our present extremely interesting and want to teach those same connections to my future students,” Peterson said. “Ultimately, my history instructor and mentor at SFA, Megan Weatherly, confirmed my love of history and helped foster my ability to teach it.”
While studying at SFA, Peterson engaged in relevant field experiences and interned at Nacogdoches High School, where she was able to observe and practice teaching social studies. These experiences and SFA faculty members have helped prepare her to enter the workforce.
“The secondary education and educational leadership department, especially Dr. Linda Black, taught me how to be an effective teacher in the 21st century,” Peterson said. “Megan Weatherly taught and modeled relevant skills that I will use in my career, such as pedagogical and instructional design skills, and résumé and interview tips. It was the SFA faculty members who prepared me for my career.”
As part of her final semester at SFA and her clinical practice, Peterson is student teaching 11th grade U.S. history at Cy-Fair High School. She is expected to graduate in May.
“I get the amazing opportunity to wake up every day and make a positive impact on the lives of my students,” Peterson said.
To learn more about SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education, visit sfasu.edu/education.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
