Alhassan Susso ’12, New York State's 2019 Teacher of the Year
Social Studies Teacher, International Community High School, Bronx, New York
“All they see all day long is obstacles, and my job is to insure and guide them and help them to understand your obstacle does not define your future.” Susso, who is visually impaired, immigrated to the United States from West Africa. The district he teaches in is said to be one of the poorest congressional districts in the country, but Susso says he works there because he wants to transform lives. Susso's colleagues say he stays late every day despite living over two hours away. Last year, every student who completed his course graduated high school and 97% are now enrolled in college.
Colleen Bucci ’08, Biology
“My student teaching experience was wonderful. As a practicing teacher I see student teachers come into my building who have not had the training needed to start teaching and it makes me all the more grateful for my own experience at Bard. The involvement of the mentor teachers with Bard makes a huge difference. There was an enormous amount of support and guidance provided.”
Joshua Hatala ’10, History/ Social Studies
Bard MAT Adjunct Professor
“Bard’s emphasis on learning how to think and train others to think like scientists, mathematicians, historians, etc. was very appealing. Additionally, the high caliber faculty, the cohort model with its intimate classes, and the innovative educational initiatives Bard has created throughout the country.”
Luke Johnson ’16, English/ Literature
“The MAT Program has completely prepared me for success in my district and I owe a lot of this success to the conversations we had in our literature classes. Thank you immensely for creating an environment that fostered that kind of critical thinking. I've noticed that the more I'm able to emulate that rigor in my classroom, even at a ninth grade level, the more the students are stepping up to the challenge and meeting my raised expectations.”
Rachel Cholst ’12, History/ Social Studies
“I have a number of friends who are in other short-term programs (like Teaching Fellows and Teach for America.) Unlike those other programs, Bard genuinely prepared us for the classroom through our courses and intensive student teaching placements. It's a hugely important part of my professional life and, even though I am no longer a classroom teacher, I am so grateful to have taken part in this program. The lessons—academic and otherwise—I learned in my year in the MAT continue to inform my daily practice.”
Mia Reisweber ’10, Literature/ English
“Since I graduated in 2010, I’ve thought about or used or referred to what I learned at Bard on a near-daily basis. My teaching philosophy is a direct result of Bard. The knowledge and the tools I learned at Bard are absolutely ingrained in my daily lessons, lectures, discussions, assignments and assessments.”
Megan Lind Persinger ’09, Literature/ English
“I loved the small class/cohort sizes. I really felt like my professors knew me very well and that I knew my cohort very well. It created a very supportive environment and helped me feel like I received plenty of attention and support. I also liked the quality of the professors and students at the school. They were all very intelligent, kind-hearted people who had a lasting impact on me.”
Audrey Enriquez ’08, Literature/ English
“Totally immerse yourself in the program. Because I was wholly present, I got to engage in more than just the academics of the MAT Program. I established a supportive network with the faculty, made close friends across the disciplines, and thoroughly enjoyed what not only Bard College had to offer but the entire lovely Hudson Valley as well.”
Joy Decker Sebesta ’15, Mathematics
“I loved the planning class and anything taught by the mathematics faculty. I also loved the course on Identity, Culture, and the Classroom. That course made me think about things in such a different way from what I was used to. It's the best program and the professors are fabulous.”
Michael Braff ’11, History
“Upon reflection, after five years in the classroom and in the DOE system, I am extremely impressed by and pleased with how the Bard MAT Program prepared me for the challenges of being responsible for the education of a room full of adolescents.”
Jessie Lanoil ’10, History/ Social Studies
“When I met with the professors from Bard MAT, I immediately had real and engaging conversations about education and learning. Their genuine curiosity and thoughtfulness stood out to me from all other programs.”
Cara Hyson ’07, History
“I liked the quality of the professors and the effectiveness and efficiency of the program overall. In only a year, I learned and experienced so much. I also liked the sense of camaraderie in my cohort.”
Rachael Scorca ’08, Literature/ English
“I am thankful every day that I attended Bard and I like to give back by hosting student teachers, attending whatever panels I can, and promoting the program. It was one of the best years of my life, even though it was challenging. I feel like I make a difference in the world, and this program helped me see that.”
Jack Chen ’10, Mathematics
“I was attracted to the Bard MAT’s small program size, its active collaboration with local schools, and because of its support of the revision of public school programs.”
Jeffrey Swanson ’08, History
“I found the program's approach to be unique and intriguing, and I liked the balance between education and history courses.”