Name: Daysha Patalot

Program: Master of Arts in Teaching

Education (other degrees and programs): University of California, Berkeley - Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Data Science

What was a highlight of your experience in the MAT program?

A highlight of my MAT experience was being on both sides of Brown Summer High School as an instructor and principal. BSHS is an amazing opportunity not only for the MAT cohort to practice their craft of teaching, but also for local students to experience Brown! I am passionate about supporting students in achieving their academic goals, so I particularly appreciated developing and facilitating the college panel to help our students who aspire to pursue higher education.

What have you done since graduating from the MAT program?

Since graduating from the wonderful MAT program, I am now a mathematics instructor and advisor at Eastside College Preparatory School— an incredible independent school in California that serves first-generation college students. I also own and operate an academic tutoring and application consulting business, Ivy+ Prep. I am grateful for both opportunities and truly love what I do every day!

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most useful in your career?

The most useful skill I developed throughout the program is being flexible. Understanding that many external factors affect learning is critical when approaching students. This also means being okay with "Plan A" not working out during lessons. There is still room for improvement in my flexibility skills and I look forward to continuing to grow throughout my teaching career!

What is one piece of advice you would give someone interested in applying to the program?

One piece of advice I have for someone interested in Brown's MAT program is not to be afraid to ask for help! While rewarding, the education field is very demanding and can be stressful at times. As an applicant and a student, there are people at Brown who want you to thrive as an educator. The professors, staff, and students are your family, so lean on them if you need to!