Poslosky is a middle school education major with a concentration in language arts and an emphasis in social studies.

“I have always felt that I wanted to be a teacher,” she said.  “I am a people person by nature and I love learning from and interacting with people whenever I can and believe that everyone has something valuable to offer which leads me to why I want to be a teacher.”

Poslosky became involved with the Moving Ahead Program through volunteer service for her service learning course in the College of Education. After the class ended she remained involved with the program and proposed to Kappa Delta Pi that the proceeds from its annual book drive be donated to the Moving Ahead Program. 

“We raised over 600 books to donate with the help of students, staff, and faculty in the College of Education,” said Poslosky.

After the books were donated the Moving Ahead Program needed storage for them, so Kappa Delta Pi installed bookshelves and organized the books. 

“After the shelves were installed and the books were set up, we implemented a bi-weekly reading group.  Kappa Delta Pi members would spend an hour and a half reading with students,” said Poslosky. 

The reading days proved to be successful and fulfilling for everyone involved, so Poslosky came up with a way for students to express themselves.

“As a future language arts teacher, I immediately thought of a journal writing project,” explained Poslosky.  “I have seen first hand the power of getting feelings out on paper because it serves as a coping mechanism.”

“I believe that written and spoken words are extremely powerful and I hope to support students in expressing themselves in positive ways,” she said.

Kappa Delta Pi worked with 15 students on their writing and planned a performance, The Spoken Word, for the students to showcase what they worked on. 

“I wanted to embrace the students’ talents in performing and support them as they experimented with journal writing,” she said.  “The students wrote about issues of identity, love, school, and play.”   

“The event not only gave the students a venue to share their work, but it provided an opportunity for the students to support each other,” she said.  “They were able to cheer each other on for positive actions, which needs to happen more.”

By being president of Kappa Delta Pi, Poslosky integrated two outstanding organizations to help and foster the growth of local Columbia children.  

“My favorite part of being president of Kappa Delta Pi has been representing an organization that embraces the true essence of education,” she explained.  “Kappa Delta Pi provides resources to cultivate leadership, enhance scholarship, and promote service in our community.”

Poslosky is also involved with many other organizations throughout campus.  She is an education ambassador and serves as the tri director of recruitment for the organization.  Last year she had the opportunity to present research at the state capitol through the Honor’s Undergraduate Research Program.  She is a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and continues to volunteer at the Moving Ahead Program.  

Poslosky chose her major and the MU College of Education through careful analysis and research. 

“I chose to teach middle school because I think this age group is at a pivotal time in their lives.  Middle school students desperately need teachers who are willing to listen to them without judgment and to advocate for their best interests,” she said.

Poslosky decided to pursue social studies and language arts because she is passionate about service and human rights. 

 “We have the power to make a difference in our communities.  We can achieve this goal and meet all of our learning goals at the same time through service learning, education extends beyond the classroom in hopes that students become life long learners and can make connections to their lives,” she explained.

Poslosky said she chose the MU College of Education because of the hands on experience it offered.  She says that actual teaching experience is integral in preparing for our own classrooms. 

“The program has far exceeded my expectations.  The courses have been comprehensive and engaging and the professors have offered tremendous support and encouragement,” she said.  

Poslosky is thankful that the College of Education is filled with passionate, knowledgeable professors who were willing to be resources for their students. 

“I believe in giving children a voice in celebrating their uniqueness and helping them foster who they truly are and want to be.  Teachers have the unique opportunity to support young people as they discover and grow and I see it is a privilege to play a part in students’ lives,” she proclaimed. 

This January she begins her student teaching internship in St. Louis.  After graduation she hopes to find a job as a language arts or social studies middle school teacher.  

“I think my biggest challenge in the field of education will be figuring out a way to give every student what he or she needs to be successful,” she explained.

Her advice for future College of Education students is to get involved because teaching is not something that can be learned from a textbook you have to seek out information and experiences. 

“There are countless opportunities to join organizations within specific content areas and organizations that are relevant to the entire College of Education,” she advised. 

She also said that she encourages pre-service teachers to stay in touch with why they chose to become educators.

“We have the power to truly make a difference and to teach kids that their voices are worth being heard,” Poslosky concluded.