Name: Patrick Mignanelli

Hometown: Campton, New Hampshire

Teaching Discipline: Social Studies

1) What drew you to the MAT Program?

I was drawn to the Brown MAT program's commitment to equity and culturally responsive teaching. After interviewing with John Palella, the social studies faculty advisor, I knew this program would provide a practical experience to make me a better teacher. I was impressed with Brown University's practice-oriented program that placed us in the classroom right from the beginning of the summer. This program allowed me to learn and implement culturally responsive teaching methods. Coming from a different teacher preparation program, I can assure you that the Brown program is a unique experience and has made me a much more capable teacher.

2) How did your undergraduate and work experiences prior to this program inspire you to go into teaching and pursue an MAT degree?

My case is unique because I went to a small rural college called Plymouth State University and graduated with a degree in social studies education. I student taught during my undergraduate program and I entered the program as a certified social studies teacher. My prior teaching experience was in a rural public school teaching Economics, US History, and Psychology. I knew I could be a better teacher and was interested in learning how to create a student-centered classroom. I found the Brown MAT program and went to an informational session, and I knew this was the next step in my educational journey.

3) What has been a highlight of your experience in the MAT program so far?

The highlight of my experience in the MAT program has been working with students at my placement every day. I started the school year with the students I am currently teaching, and I was able to form great relationships. One assignment was shadowing a student for a day and following them to all their classes. That assignment provided great insight into the experiences of the students I teach. Experiences like this are what make the Brown program unique because many teacher preparation programs were limited to the spring semester for the in-school experience.  

4) Where are you doing your student teaching, and what do you like most about the experience there so far?

I am a student teacher at North Providence High School. The best parts of my experience have been working with the students and developing great relationships with other staff members. Since we are in school from the first day, there is a lot of time to form relationships.

5) What's your favorite part of the MAT program?

All the classes we take in the MAT program are very practical and focused on our teaching. The faculty members are incredibly supportive and excellent at what they do. Under their mentorship, I have become much better at teaching my students.

7) What are you most excited to teach?

I am teaching American History, and students are learning about Antebellum America. Students are researching indigenous tribes during the period, and they are choosing the scope of their research. Student-centered project-based learning has had incredible results because students have a voice in their education and are passionate about what they are learning.