When Nicolle Salomon receives her master’s degree from the University of South Florida this summer, she won’t just be celebrating the completion of a program, she’ll be stepping into a classroom fully prepared to guide young learners through one of the most critical parts of their academic journey: learning to read.
Salomon recently completed USF’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, a program which offers a combination of in-depth coursework, hands-on classroom experience, and field-based learning throughout the community.
"I started unsure of my place in education," Salomon said. "Now I know exactly why I’m here."
Nicolle gets hands-on experience in Pre-K classrooms before starting the MAT program.
While at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Salomon gained valuable classroom experience through a full-time internship in a Title I elementary school, working in local Title 1 schools as a literacy mentor, and serving as a long-term substitute teacher. Salomon’s participation in a reading initiative through the Henson Literacy Program called Secret Society of Readers deepened her commitment to supporting children through literacy and ultimately was one of the deciding factors to becoming a teacher. While still an undergraduate at USF majoring in Psychology, her work in the Secret Society of Readers program helped Soloman make the decision to pursue her master’s degree in education, which was funded by a USF Foundation Scholarship from the Hensons.
Her graduate research focused on intentional vocabulary instruction for English learners and students with exceptionalities. The project connected what she learned in her courses to the needs she witnessed in real classrooms.
"Nicolle brings such a joyful spirit and deep empathy to everything she does in the classroom and school community,” said Christine Picot, assistant professor of instruction in the College of Education. ”Her passion for lifelong learning and her commitment to students is truly inspiring. She's a team player who goes above and beyond by always willing to assist and make meaningful contributions to student learning. It’s been a true pleasure to work with someone so dedicated and full of positive energy."
USF’s MAT program offers a unique structure that combines theory and practice, allowing students to complete their entire degree in one calendar year. Students complete fieldwork at partner schools, gaining experience in both primary and intermediate grade classrooms. Throughout the program, students work with experienced mentor teachers and university supervisors to guide their growth.
Faculty say the MAT program also demonstrates USF’s long-term investment in strengthening the communities it serves.
“I think a program like this affirms USF’s commitment to the communities we work within,” said Lindsay Persohn, an assistant professor of literacy studies on the Sarasota-Manatee campus. “It feeds a cycle of productivity, of continuous learning, of connectedness, and of giving back in our communities.”
"She is a wonderful example of how USF College of Education Sarasota-Manatee prepares teachers who are not only professionally ready but also committed to serving our region," said Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker. "We are proud of Nicolle and the meaningful contributions she will continue to make."
Salomon’s long-term goal is to earn a doctoral degree in education and help expand literacy-focused approaches that reach students who need the most support.
I want to build classrooms where students know they belong. That is what I found at USF, and that is what I want to create for others.
Nicolle Salomon
"Students like Nicolle remind us of the transformative role of working with youth and falling in love with the education profession. Further, she is a testament to the importance educators play in shaping the lives of youth in our community," said Cheryl Ellerbrock, campus dean of education at USF Sarasota-Manatee. "Her journey reflects the heart of our mission and the power of education to open doors and change lives."