Emily Kalberer

Staff Writer

College life can look a lot different for a commuter student versus a resident. Commuting to school to earn your degree puts different kinds of pressures and restraints on students. Senior Carly Reed, however, handles these challenges like a pro.

Reed is a Middle Level Education major with a concentration in English. She is currently placed in a fifth grade classroom at Governor Wolf Elementary School in Bethlehem to gain fieldwork experience.

“It is great to be able to get into a classroom and start teaching lessons to prepare me for student teaching and my own educator position in the future,” said Reed.

Although this placement may be her first times teaching in the classroom, it is not Reed’s first time shaping the minds of the youth.

“Outside of college, I coach varsity cheerleading at Pocono Mountain East High School. Previously, I coached junior varsity and middle school cheerleading. I also coach an all-star cheerleading team called Rebels Elite Cheer at a gym in Stroudsburg,” Reed said.

Over the years, Reed has coached young cheerleaders from the ages of four all the way up to the age of 14. This helped her come to the realization that middle level education was the right fit for her.

“I realized that the middle level grades are where I connect best with my athletes. This helped me pick my major back in the beginning of my college career,” said Reed. “Coaching also helped me realize that being a positive role model and supporting children in their life skills is what I wanted to do for a living.”

While graduation is approaching, Reed still sees learning as a big part of her future as an educator.

“I plan on continuing my education here at ESU. I want to get my master’s to further my knowledge in education and to hopefully get an administrative position one day,” said Reed.

Even though Reed plans on earning her master’s degree at ESU, she is looking forward to graduation and moving forward with her professional life.

“I am excited to graduate college so I can continue growing as a person. I also cannot wait to have my own classroom so I can continue to make a difference in children’s lives,” said Reed. “Post graduation, I hope to get a teaching position locally. I also hope to continue my cheerleading coaching career.”

When asked if there was any advice she would like her freshman self to know, Reed had this to say:

“Make friends within your major. My peers have been a great support to me throughout both college and life in general. I am so grateful to have made such meaningful friendships through school. Also, trust your professors and do not be afraid to ask for help.”

“Your professors and ESU staff as a whole are there to support you in classes, extracurriculars and life,” said Reed.

Reed is set to graduate in May of 2027 with a Bachelors of Science in Middle Level Education with a concentration in English.