Meet Michaela: TRIO Future Educator Success Program

"TRIO FESP at WMU has been very good honestly. It's a family so when I have good days and bad days they're always here for me."

  • How did you find out about TRIO FESP?

    I found out about the program when they were there for orientation. And they also contacted me since I've always been an education major. 

  • What has your experience been like in TRIO FESP?

    It has been very good honestly. It's a family so when I have good days and bad days they're always here. I know that I can come to the TRIO FESP room and have people to talk to and listen to me rant about things that do not matter to them. So, it's really nice and it's been a good experience for me.

  • What has the experience been like with TRIO FESP staff?

    They've been very helpful and supportive. It's always been easy to find somebody to talk to and I never find a problem with communication when it comes to emailing or calling or just setting up a appointment.

  • Why did you choose elementary education?

    During COVID I switched from special education to elementary because I really like science and I wanted to keep that as a minor.

  • What has your experience been like with faculty?

    I have found a handful of professors that I can reach out to now as a senior and just talk to them about like things that I need help with in the program. So that's been really nice.

  • Why did you choose WMU?

    I chose Western because my mom went here and it's not too far away from home. It is far enough to where you know it's a trip to go back but it's not too far where it's a problem.

  • What advice do you have for prospective students?

    I guess my advice would be go for it. If you feel like you want to be a part of the elementary education program then apply. If it works out it works out, if it doesn't you will find another program.

Elementary education at WMU

The elementary education program prepares new educators to meet the unique needs of learners in Pre-Kindergarten to third grade (PK-3) and in third to sixth grades (3-6) with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. WMU provides preservice teachers specialized knowledge about the learning needs of children from various contexts and across subjects to be successful in future classrooms. Graduates of this program will be eligible to teach all subjects in PK-3 and 3-6 and will qualify to take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) PK-3 (ZO) and/or 3-6 (ZP) endorsement.

TRIO Future Educator Success Program

TRIO student
  • Overview

    The TRIO Future Educator Success Program (FESP) is designed to help eligible students excel at Western Michigan University (WMU) and in their P-12 teaching careers. Through a variety of activities, services, and opportunities on campus and in the community, our staff will provide information and resources to enhance student academic performance and cultivate financial literacy, career development, leadership development, and awareness of campus services and programming. 

  • Services
    • Career exploration
    • Financial assistance
    • Graduate school exploration
    • Leadership opportunities
    • Opportunity to attend conferences
    • Speedy access to advisors
    • Tutors and mentors
    • Volunteer opportunities

More information

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