From Passion to Profession: Building Your Future in the Classroom

Ready to turn your passion for education and advocacy for children into a meaningful career? This dynamic webinar explores pathways designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go. You will hear how others have navigated this journey, discover what rigorous preparation looks like in practice, and consider how you might grow into work that supports and champions children. We will also share perspectives from those who have completed this journey, offering a closer look at experiences and opportunities that prepare you to lead, inspire, and make a difference in today’s evolving educational and advocative landscape.

With 13 years of experience in education, Amy Willmarth has served as a general education teacher, special educator, and reading specialist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of West Florida and will complete her Master of Education in At-Promise and Diverse Learners from Goucher College in August. Originally from Annapolis, Amy is the proud parent of a twice-exceptional 13-year-old son, which deepens her commitment to supporting students with unique learning needs. Her passion lies in helping students with challenging behaviors reach their fullest potential through understanding, structure, and compassion.

Kaylee Fellner recently completed her undergraduate degree at Goucher College. She has spent one year in Goucher’s 4+1 program, focusing on Elementary Special Education. She has a strong passion for special education and teaching and hopes to enter the classroom this fall. Kaylee has spent the past five summers as the division head of an inclusion program in New England, which is a particular passion of hers. She sees herself pursuing a career with similar responsibilities throughout the year. She will enter the graduate program for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Special Education in summer 2026 and has already completed several graduate-level courses in the program.

Mckenna Bruce is an alumna of the Master of Education program in Athletic Program Leadership and Administration. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management, with a minor in Communication, from Wittenberg University. Originally from Athens, Ohio, Mckenna developed a passion for sports at an early age and pursued a career in the field. She served for two years at Goucher College as a Graduate Assistant in Athletic Communications and spent an additional year coaching the throws program for the Goucher Track & Field team.