Madeleine Bartz ’18
Director of the Pathway to Success Program at Genesee Community College
As Madeleine Bartz reflects on her own student journey, she is grateful for the opportunities and support she received and now offers to students. “I can provide our students with all the support I was able to receive to be successful on their academic and career journeys.”
She now works as the director of the Pathway to Success Program at Genesee Community College where she oversees intensive support for rural students through academic and career planning and advisement. She looks to her time at Fisher as foundational preparation for her role as an educational leader. “I originally started as an education major at Fisher, and those classes certainly helped my perspective in education today, and the field experiences helped me foster an appreciation for everyone I work with and teach.”
Though Bartz believes Fisher prepared her academically, she also attributes her current success to her participation in the Service Scholars Program. “This program allowed me to engage my passion for helping others and helped me develop connections that were invaluable while working on my master’s degree,” she explained.
While Bartz believes future teachers and instructors will gain a solid foundation in the education program at Fisher, she also encourages all students to connect with their professors. “What made my Fisher experience great were the professors and advisors who provided support and encouragement, so I would encourage students to spend time getting to know their professors.” Ultimately, “they’re here to help you succeed, so take advantage of it!”
Katie McCabe, Ph.D. ’10
Assistant Professor at Buffalo State
Katie McCabe always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Then, during her work in elementary special education after graduating from Fisher, she decided that she wanted to influence the teachers of the future toward a more inclusive approach.
“Inclusion was a part of the social justice framework that was taught in each one of my education classes at Fisher.” After teaching for six years from this equity-centered foundation, she wanted to instill this framework in others. “I felt like I could have a greater impact at the University level.”
She believes the Service Scholars Program instilled within her the importance of community-based partnerships. “Because of this program, I continue to pursue opportunities to serve the communities in which I live and work.”
McCabe attributes her sense of leadership and advocacy to her experience in the education program at Fisher. “I felt very prepared when I graduated and for all my future educational pursuits. The people, early experiences in local schools, and focus on social justice are all critical factors in preparing teachers for what our field needs!”