Marcine Adams received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from DePaul University’s College of Education in January and will begin a doctoral program in curriculum and instruction program at University of Illinois at Chicago in the fall.

The path is a rare one, with most students needing to gain about three years of in-class time before applying for a doctoral program. However, because Adams accumulated so much experience while she was a student — dating back to helping with spelling tests her sophomore year of high school — she will bypass her master’s degree and go straight for her doctorate. People discouraged her from taking this route, but her passion for education led the way.

“My drive comes from wanting children to learn and do the best they can. If I can help in any way, I will,” said Adams. “I want students to have the best learning experience possible.”

Adams’ drive led her be involved in many activities at DePaul. She was on the Dean's List for academic achievement and was the student representative on the Secondary Math Faculty Search Committee. She also is the official blogger for the College of Education on DeBlogs.

The program that has been most instrumental to Adams’ success is the McNair Scholars Program, designed to prepare students for doctoral programs by providing them access to research and other activities. The program provided funding for Adams to travel to Croatia to present original research that she conducted with Roxanne Owens, an associate professor in the College of Education, on the implication of technological integration in middle and elementary schools. While the McNair Scholars Program has provided her many opportunities, Adams is grateful for its community as well.
 
“They’re a personal support system,” said Adams. “They provide guidance. Without it, I don’t think I would be here saying that I could further my education.”

Frank Tavano, an instructor in the college, worked extensively with Adams throughout during her student teaching. Though she credits him with helping her survive that experience, he appears more than confident in her abilities.

“Marcine is an outstanding teacher candidate,” said Tavano. “She knows curriculum and methodology that lead to mastery learning. She has the people skills that are essential for a successful teacher and she treats all of her referent groups — students, teacher, parents and administrators — with dignity and respect. Marcine is the best among the best.”

Adams has many ideas of what she would like to do after completing her doctorate. She is considering teaching at the college level and expanding her research on curriculum systems to the study of education systems in other counties. Closer to home, she would like to open a community center to provide students with the resources they need to learn. While she does not yet know which subject she would like to teach, she does know that she needs to make a difference.

“My role models are Professor Owens and Professor Tavano,” said Adams. “They really showed how I can have a passion for teaching and research and make a difference in kids.”

Owens does not doubt that this is exactly what Adams will do.

“I’m sure we will continue to hear about Marcine’s impact on the educational world for many years to come.”

Written by Jasmine Armand