Words from Faculty
Dear MST Graduates,
We’ve shared so much together, and if there’s one lesson time has taught us, it's never to take anything for granted—not your education, well-being, family, or friendships.
In this moment, you stand at the finish line of your academic journey. Whether it took one year, two, three, or more, you set a high goal and you accomplished it. You persevered. And now, an exciting future awaits.
As you celebrate this tremendous accomplishment, we encourage you to carry it forward with pride and purpose. The world needs your insight, dedication, and voice. You have something unique to offer—your experiences, curiosity, and passion. Wherever your next chapter leads, know that we are cheering you on and that our doors are always open. You are now and forever a proud Teachers College, MST alum.
As we honor your achievements, we also invite you to explore our graduation gallery and celebrate the incredible contributions made by your fellow MST graduates. You have all helped shape this department and your programs into something extraordinary, and we are confident that you will continue to inspire change and innovation in the world beyond these walls.
Thank you for making the Mathematics Education program area in Thompson Hall, the Science Education community on the fourth floor of Zankel, and the CMLTD open spaces in Thompson and Russell Halls a part of your story. We hope you’ll stay connected. Your journey means so much to us, and we love hearing where it takes you next.
On behalf of the MST faculty and staff, CONGRATULATIONS!!
The future is brighter because of you.
Warmly,
Felicia Moore Mensah, PhD
Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Technology
Congratulations Class of 2025
I am incredibly grateful for the unique experiences and opportunities Teachers College, Columbia University has provided me, and the many incredible people I have met and grown into an educator alongside with. I am eager and excited to use the skills I have developed here at Teachers College to educate and inspire a future generation of environmentally conscious thinkers, innovators, and scientists. Congratulations Class of 2025, we did it!
I am incredibly grateful for the unique experiences and opportunities Teachers College, Columbia University has provided me, and the many incredible people I have met and grown into an educator alongside with. I am eager and excited to use the skills I have developed here at Teachers College to educate and inspire a future generation of environmentally conscious thinkers, innovators, and scientists. Congratulations Class of 2025, we did it!
Thank you for being a place where I could grow, question, create, and belong 🎓🥰
Thank you for being a place where I could grow, question, create, and belong 🎓🥰
Dissertation Title: Comparing Students’ Reasoning With Function Composition Using a Dynamic Graphical Representation to Traditional Representations
Congratulations to all graduates! I am grateful for all the blessings throughout my journey!
Dissertation Title: Mathdramatics: Mathematicians in Plays
I have loved my time in the MST Department, both as a master’s student, and as a doctoral student! Thank you, thank you, thank you to the faculty and staff for an amazing five years!
Dissertation Title: Mathdramatics: Mathematicians in Plays
I have loved my time in the MST Department, both as a master’s student, and as a doctoral student! Thank you, thank you, thank you to the faculty and staff for an amazing five years!
Huge thanks to the professors and peers who shaped my MST journey (I’m sure your names will appear more than once on this page!). I came in planning to finish quickly and head straight to graduation—but along the way, I discovered so much more: pasta shared with President Bailey, unforgettable events, and incredible friends who made the days brighter (and absolutely the workload lighter). Wishing us all the best—especially those job offers—and here’s to lifelong learning and bold new beginnings ahead!
Huge thanks to the professors and peers who shaped my MST journey (I’m sure your names will appear more than once on this page!). I came in planning to finish quickly and head straight to graduation—but along the way, I discovered so much more: pasta shared with President Bailey, unforgettable events, and incredible friends who made the days brighter (and absolutely the workload lighter). Wishing us all the best—especially those job offers—and here’s to lifelong learning and bold new beginnings ahead!
Dissertation Title: Building Science Teachers’ Empathy and Perspective Taking through Continuous Professional Development to Improve Support for Multilingual Learners
Being part of the MST program at Teachers College has been a transformative journey, one filled with inspiration, challenge, and profound growth. I’m deeply grateful for the brilliant faculty, the supportive cohort of peers, and the opportunities to stretch myself as both an educator and a learner. MST has not only equipped me with the tools to teach effectively, but it has also deepened my passion for equity, innovation, and student voice in STEM education. As a school building leader, this experience has reinforced my commitment to fostering inclusive, inquiry-driven learning environments where all students can thrive. To future MSTers: embrace every moment, you’re becoming the educator and leader our schools need.
Dissertation Title: Building Science Teachers’ Empathy and Perspective Taking through Continuous Professional Development to Improve Support for Multilingual Learners
Being part of the MST program at Teachers College has been a transformative journey, one filled with inspiration, challenge, and profound growth. I’m deeply grateful for the brilliant faculty, the supportive cohort of peers, and the opportunities to stretch myself as both an educator and a learner. MST has not only equipped me with the tools to teach effectively, but it has also deepened my passion for equity, innovation, and student voice in STEM education. As a school building leader, this experience has reinforced my commitment to fostering inclusive, inquiry-driven learning environments where all students can thrive. To future MSTers: embrace every moment, you’re becoming the educator and leader our schools need.
Grateful for every spark, lesson, and moment—MST shaped a chapter I’ll carry always.
Grateful for every spark, lesson, and moment—MST shaped a chapter I’ll carry always.
Hats off to my TC professors and peers! You made me feel held and supported as we navigated multiple global crises during my doctoral journey. Thank you for listening and nurturing my whole self. Alhamdulillah, your warmth and guidance have allowed me to flourish personally and academically. We still have much work left to do, but I am grateful to be standing on the shoulders of such giants to continue The Work in sha Allah. We got this!
Hats off to my TC professors and peers! You made me feel held and supported as we navigated multiple global crises during my doctoral journey. Thank you for listening and nurturing my whole self. Alhamdulillah, your warmth and guidance have allowed me to flourish personally and academically. We still have much work left to do, but I am grateful to be standing on the shoulders of such giants to continue The Work in sha Allah. We got this!
Thank you to my amazing advisor, Dr. Erica Walker, for the support and guidance you provided me along this journey. Thank you to Dr. Mensah for your mentorship.Thank you to my friends Dr. Nasriah Morrison and Dr. Anisha Clarke for your encouragement. I could not have done any of this without all of you. I am very grateful for you.
Thank you to my amazing advisor, Dr. Erica Walker, for the support and guidance you provided me along this journey. Thank you to Dr. Mensah for your mentorship.Thank you to my friends Dr. Nasriah Morrison and Dr. Anisha Clarke for your encouragement. I could not have done any of this without all of you. I am very grateful for you.
May the youth, riding the wind and waves, never forget the rain work.
Dissertation Title: African American Male Students’ Engagement with Science: Insights from General and Special Education Participants
After four years in the Ph.D. Science Education program, there were moments when I truly wondered if I’d ever reach the finish line—but here I am. This journey required relentless hard work, intentional time management, and deep personal motivation. I’m filled with gratitude for the professors who challenged and supported me along the way, especially my advisor, Dr. Mensah, for her steady guidance. To the incredible friends who became family during this process—thank you for your encouragement, your support, and your unwavering belief in me. We did it Grads!
Dissertation Title: African American Male Students’ Engagement with Science: Insights from General and Special Education Participants
After four years in the Ph.D. Science Education program, there were moments when I truly wondered if I’d ever reach the finish line—but here I am. This journey required relentless hard work, intentional time management, and deep personal motivation. I’m filled with gratitude for the professors who challenged and supported me along the way, especially my advisor, Dr. Mensah, for her steady guidance. To the incredible friends who became family during this process—thank you for your encouragement, your support, and your unwavering belief in me. We did it Grads!
"Where true change begins" — so powerful was this mission statement that, from the moment I first arrived at TC two years ago, it immediately resonated with me and has continued to inspire and guide my journey ever since. At that time, my goal at TC was to explore new possibilities in the education field and prepare for my transition into this meaningful work. Today, I am proud to say that I have achieved that goal!
Through the classes, activities, and incredible support from faculty, and peers, I have had the opportunity to explore areas such as instructional design, curriculum development, game design, and student teaching. Along the way, I have met so many inspiring people and experienced personal growth I never imagined. I am deeply grateful for the platform, freedom, and support that TC has provided me.
As I graduate, I prepare to return to China to work with children. I will carry the motto, "Where true change begins," with me, and I look forward to continuing to drive change in education, one step at a time.
Thank you, CMLTD, thank you, Columbia, and thank you, New York!
"Where true change begins" — so powerful was this mission statement that, from the moment I first arrived at TC two years ago, it immediately resonated with me and has continued to inspire and guide my journey ever since. At that time, my goal at TC was to explore new possibilities in the education field and prepare for my transition into this meaningful work. Today, I am proud to say that I have achieved that goal!
Through the classes, activities, and incredible support from faculty, and peers, I have had the opportunity to explore areas such as instructional design, curriculum development, game design, and student teaching. Along the way, I have met so many inspiring people and experienced personal growth I never imagined. I am deeply grateful for the platform, freedom, and support that TC has provided me.
As I graduate, I prepare to return to China to work with children. I will carry the motto, "Where true change begins," with me, and I look forward to continuing to drive change in education, one step at a time.
Thank you, CMLTD, thank you, Columbia, and thank you, New York!
Grateful for an inspiring journey in the Educational Technology Specialist program! Thank you Dr. Meier, Dr. Hakim, Mel, Giles and Yuri!
Grateful for an inspiring journey in the Educational Technology Specialist program! Thank you Dr. Meier, Dr. Hakim, Mel, Giles and Yuri!
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support I’ve received—from loved ones, mentors, and peers who stood by me throughout the journey. I’m grateful for the chance to challenge myself, try new things, and grow along the way. It’s been a truly meaningful journey—thank you to everyone who’s been part of it.
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support I’ve received—from loved ones, mentors, and peers who stood by me throughout the journey. I’m grateful for the chance to challenge myself, try new things, and grow along the way. It’s been a truly meaningful journey—thank you to everyone who’s been part of it.
I’m incredibly grateful for my time at CMLTD- t’s been a journey filled with growth, unforgettable friendships, and moments that challenged me to become a better version of myself. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this chapter. Wishing all my fellow graduates the courage to chase what sets your soul on fire！
I’m incredibly grateful for my time at CMLTD- t’s been a journey filled with growth, unforgettable friendships, and moments that challenged me to become a better version of myself. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this chapter. Wishing all my fellow graduates the courage to chase what sets your soul on fire！
I would like to thank Dr Meier for her guidance and to HW, KG, LK, AL, YL, JT, PG, SH, MD, WL, GB, NC, FC, NG, AG, NM, PM for their support and companionship~
I would like to thank Dr Meier for her guidance and to HW, KG, LK, AL, YL, JT, PG, SH, MD, WL, GB, NC, FC, NG, AG, NM, PM for their support and companionship~
I did it! Looking forward to the next chapter of life :)
These two years as a student at Teachers College, while working daily at the Morningside Campus and Barnard College, have shaped me in countless ways. Through building connections with people from every corner of the university, I have experienced Columbia in its fullest form. As I graduate, I carry with me not just knowledge, but the unique spirit of this incredible university community.
These two years as a student at Teachers College, while working daily at the Morningside Campus and Barnard College, have shaped me in countless ways. Through building connections with people from every corner of the university, I have experienced Columbia in its fullest form. As I graduate, I carry with me not just knowledge, but the unique spirit of this incredible university community.
Thanks New York for holding my laughter in subway rides and catching my tears in midnight rain. Thanks Class 2025 for every shared triumph, every late-night talk, and every moment that made this journey unforgettable. Let’s carry this unstoppable energy wherever we go. Keep shining, keep rising.
Thanks New York for holding my laughter in subway rides and catching my tears in midnight rain. Thanks Class 2025 for every shared triumph, every late-night talk, and every moment that made this journey unforgettable. Let’s carry this unstoppable energy wherever we go. Keep shining, keep rising.
I come from my undergrad where “What starts here changes the world,” and I’m grateful to have continued thriving at TC, “Where true change begins.”
I come from my undergrad where “What starts here changes the world,” and I’m grateful to have continued thriving at TC, “Where true change begins.”
Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for the opportunity to learn and grow at TC. Thank you to my incredible classmates, professors, and mentors for making this past year so meaningful and enriching.
All my love and gratitude go to my forever baby, Bucci, and my husband, Ben. Your love is my safe place, and this life we’ve built together is my greatest gift.
Lastly, to my world’s best parents—thank you for the beautiful lesson that a meaningful life is one filled with joy and shared with love. To my supportive in-laws, thank you for your prayers and support.
Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for the opportunity to learn and grow at TC. Thank you to my incredible classmates, professors, and mentors for making this past year so meaningful and enriching.
All my love and gratitude go to my forever baby, Bucci, and my husband, Ben. Your love is my safe place, and this life we’ve built together is my greatest gift.
Lastly, to my world’s best parents—thank you for the beautiful lesson that a meaningful life is one filled with joy and shared with love. To my supportive in-laws, thank you for your prayers and support.
Congratulations on our 100% exploration at TC! How about we explore the new area ahead of us later?
Incredibly grateful for the community of practice and friends I've encountered at Teachers College. Your work, expertise, ideas, and reflections have enriched my time at the program, and I will carry them with me where life takes me. Cheers!
Incredibly grateful for the community of practice and friends I've encountered at Teachers College. Your work, expertise, ideas, and reflections have enriched my time at the program, and I will carry them with me where life takes me. Cheers!
From LA to New York—without ever having set foot on campus until graduation. This journey has changed me. It’s been an honor to study among such brilliant minds and to contribute to a community that truly believes in access, innovation, and heart. Thank you, Teachers College, for seeing me through the screen and welcoming me beyond it.
From LA to New York—without ever having set foot on campus until graduation. This journey has changed me. It’s been an honor to study among such brilliant minds and to contribute to a community that truly believes in access, innovation, and heart. Thank you, Teachers College, for seeing me through the screen and welcoming me beyond it.
Thrilled to be graduating from the Mathematics Education program at Teachers College! My time here has been incredibly valuable, filled with challenging and inspiring coursework that has deepened my understanding of mathematics education. I am especially grateful for the guidance and expertise of Dr. Zelbo, Dr. Smith, Dr. Lyublinskaya, Dr. Karp, and Dr. Flint, whose passion and dedication truly enriched my learning. Having already spent three years teaching at a charter school, I am eager to apply all that I've learned at TC to create a positive and impactful learning environment for my students. Thank you, Teachers College, for this transformative experience! #TC2025
Thrilled to be graduating from the Mathematics Education program at Teachers College! My time here has been incredibly valuable, filled with challenging and inspiring coursework that has deepened my understanding of mathematics education. I am especially grateful for the guidance and expertise of Dr. Zelbo, Dr. Smith, Dr. Lyublinskaya, Dr. Karp, and Dr. Flint, whose passion and dedication truly enriched my learning. Having already spent three years teaching at a charter school, I am eager to apply all that I've learned at TC to create a positive and impactful learning environment for my students. Thank you, Teachers College, for this transformative experience! #TC2025
This is not the end. It’s the beginning of everything I dared to believe was possible. Thank you to everyone who supported, believed in, and walked alongside me on this journey.
This is not the end. It’s the beginning of everything I dared to believe was possible. Thank you to everyone who supported, believed in, and walked alongside me on this journey.
My time at Teachers College has truly been transformative—I’ve gained invaluable educational insights and broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined. There were certainly challenging moments along the way, but they’ve only made this milestone all the more meaningful. I’m especially grateful to the professors, classmates, and loved ones who supported me every step of the journey. Though this chapter at TC is coming to a close, it will always hold a special place in my heart. As I move forward, I hope to live out the meaningful values I’ve learned here and grow into the kind of educator I aspire to be.
Finally, to the Class of 2025—congratulations!!!
My time at Teachers College has truly been transformative—I’ve gained invaluable educational insights and broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined. There were certainly challenging moments along the way, but they’ve only made this milestone all the more meaningful. I’m especially grateful to the professors, classmates, and loved ones who supported me every step of the journey. Though this chapter at TC is coming to a close, it will always hold a special place in my heart. As I move forward, I hope to live out the meaningful values I’ve learned here and grow into the kind of educator I aspire to be.
Finally, to the Class of 2025—congratulations!!!