Emily Clatterbuck is a graduating EMU senior who has accomplished much in her time here as an English education double major. In addition to being on the Dean’s List every semester (except during student teaching, where GPAs are not given), Clatterbuck was chosen to receive cords of distinction, awarded a scholarship from the Virginia Teacher’s Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP), and nominated as one of five Teachers of Promise from EMU.
According to Cathy Smeltzer Erb, chair of EMU’s Teacher Education Department, nominees were required to have “high academic standing,” to “represent [promise as a] gifted pre-service teacher,” who “exemplif[ies] the characteristics of a teacher who will teach boldly in a changing world through an ethic of care and critical reflection.”
Because of this nomination, Clatterbuck attended the Teachers of Promise conference at Virginia Commonwealth University along with nominees from around twenty other colleges in Virginia and one in Tennessee. According to Clatterbuck, the conference included a gala, certificates, letters of appreciation from local students, speakers, and workshops. Clatterbuck said, “It was refreshing to be in an environment where everybody thinks so positively of teachers.”
Clatterbuck’s success as a student teacher led to her nomination as a Teacher of Promise. Adjunct Professor of Education Bonnie Yoder, who supervised her along with Assistant Professor of Education Tracy Hough at Thomas Harrison Middle School and Harrisonburg High School, said, “Emily was able to engage students and earn their respect while creating a fair and safe learning environment.” Yoder believes that Clatterbuck’s ability to manage a classroom is exceptional. She said, “[Clatterbuck] remained calm even in challenging situations and always kept a positive outlook with a sense of humor that connected her to students.” Also according to Yoder, Clatterbuck’s background in literature enables her to craft insightful lesson plans to encourage student involvement.
Within the EMU classroom setting, Yoder valued Clatterbuck’s ability to think critically and ask meaningful questions that proved her engagement with the readings.
In addition to her success as a student and a student teacher, Clatterbuck has been involved on campus. She was a part of the Student Education Association her sophomore, junior, and senior year, holding office as secretary, publicist, and president. As part of her role with Student Education Association (SEA), she leads homecoming childcare for the Alumni and Parent Relations Department. She also helped organize the Language and Literature departmental chapel during her sophomore year.
Clatterbuck has also been active in her community. She has volunteered at Kids Club, Ridgeway Mennonite Church, and Second Home Childcare, which serves low-income and immigrant families. As an underclassman, she helped with fundraising for the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department. She is currently an IEP conversation partner.
When asked what motivates her, Clatterbuck said that she is very self-motivated and thanks her parents for helping her form a good work ethic. Yoder also mentioned Clatterbuck’s work ethic and leadership initiative. Since she is a perfectionist, Clatterbuck said that pushing herself comes naturally. However, being a perfectionist can come with its challenges. She said that Professor of Education Lori Leaman encouraged her to find balance and to accept her own limitations. “She just encouraged all of us to do our best, even if your best in that moment isn’t what your best actually is,” said Clatterbuck.
When asked about advice for other EMU students, Clatterbuck said, “I think that EMU is a place that lets you find yourself and be whoever you are, and so, just taking advantage of every relationship that you make, whether that’s friends or professors or faculty members.”
Clatterbuck’s plans for next year are to be a teacher in a local middle school. “As Emily goes out into her own classroom, we know that she will be a gift to her students and a valued colleague,” said Yoder.
