Alumni Spotlight: Heather Tarnowski '24

Heather Tarnowski is a 2024 graduate of Roberts' Childhood and Special Education Pathway to Teaching Program. We interviewed her about her experience.

What was the best thing about studying Childhood & Special Education at Roberts?

The best thing about studying education at Roberts was the cohort I was in.

The program lasted 18 months (in the classroom) once a week. I was with the same group of students the entire time. We grew into our own little family. Everyone was willing to help each other out.

In my cohort, we were all adults who had full-time jobs, and most of us had families. It was helpful knowing I wasn’t alone in feeling the pressure of going back to school as an adult.

Can you share a moment when you knew you were making a difference in the lives of your students because of what you’ve learned at Roberts?

Schools are extremely different now than when I was in school. I knew that going into the field of education, but I had no idea how different it really was.

Professor Brandon Jones really opened my eyes and how schools really are in today's world. His diversity and equity class was something I will never forget. I knew it was important to include everyone, but I didn’t realize how many teachers do not do that, and it breaks my heart.

I will make sure that no matter where I am or which classroom I am in, everyone always feels welcome and included in everything we are doing.

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of since graduating?

Before deciding to go back to school, I was a part-owner of our family business. It is the only career I have ever known. I have been working in the family business since I was 12. I didn’t know anything else except that I had always wanted to be a teacher since I was a child.

When I decided to go back to school, I was scared and didn’t know if I could really do it. Being a mom and a wife working full time was a scary decision… but I did it, and it was the best decision I ever made!

I interviewed for my first teaching position last January as a building substitute, and that interview was my very first interview EVER. I had always been the one interviewing. I was offered the position on the spot and was so excited and proud of myself.

What advice would you give to someone considering a graduate program in education at Roberts?

I would highly recommend the Pathway to Teaching program! It has truly changed my life.

Not only is it an accelerated program, but the professors are knowledgeable and friendly, and they understand that we are all adults with busy lives outside our once-a-week meeting times. They do not want to see you fail. They want you to succeed and help you in any way they can.

I can finally do what I have always dreamed of: be a teacher. Every day, I wake up excited to go to work. There is nothing better than seeing the smiles on the students' faces each day. It is by far the most rewarding career.