Name: Conor Mynahan 

Hometown: Medfield, Massachusetts 

Program: Master of Arts in Teaching, Social Studies 

Education: Colby College, B.A. - Double Major in Educational Studies and American Studies, Minor in Economics 

What drew you to the MAT program? 

Through a wide array of experiences across the education landscape during my undergraduate studies, I came to understand that teaching is where my purpose and impact align most powerfully. I came to understand teaching as significant, urgent work that lit a fire inside of me. Brown’s MAT program stood out to me as a natural next step in my professional development, offering the opportunity to become a culturally responsive, justice-oriented educator. I have always been inspired by the work of bell hooks, and while I was applying to Brown’s program, I was reading the last few chapters of her book “All About Love: New Visions.” While envisioning my future and fit as a social studies teacher in a program focused on urban education, one line stood out to me: “As our cultural awareness of the ways we are seduced away from love, away from the knowledge that love heals gains recognition, our anguish intensifies. But so does our yearning. The space of our lack is also the space for possibility.” I firmly believe that to properly and successfully serve students, it is essential to teach with the values of love and hope as pillars to our classrooms, instilling those values in our students as well. Social studies provides students with the unique opportunity to address the past and present that affect them so intimately while using that history to dream for and design a better future. I could not resonate more strongly with Brown’s aim to empower students in Providence with the skills to investigate their (personal and community) past, think critically about the present, and most importantly, “freedom-dream for the future.” Professor John Palella’s call for social studies teachers to provide “windows, mirrors, and magical portals” embodies the hope and love that remain core to my teaching practice.  

Additionally, I was drawn to Brown’s MAT program because of their small class size. Coming from Colby College, where I was mentored and experienced the positive effects of small classes, I feel blessed to be taught and mentored by such talented faculty, who are incredibly accessible and willing to support us each day to improve our craft. I was also drawn to the program because of the discipline specific cohort model. I am passionate about social studies education, and believe when pedagogically enacted successfully, it provides students with the  opportunity to self-discover, realize their potential and worth, heal from the wounds caused by social, political, and economic oppression, and most importantly, to become thought leaders towards a future that values equity and love of each other. 

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

This year, I have been placed at Blackstone Academy Charter School, where I will teach Civics to juniors and seniors in the spring. One highlight of my experience thus far has been the Blackstone community. I have loved building relationships with students and teachers, and am grateful for the ways they have invited me into their strong, relationship-oriented community. I admire how Blackstone embodies a celebration of diversity in every sense of the word, and consistently am excited to enter the building each morning. Also, I am lucky to be mentored by the G.O.A.T. social studies teacher, Greg Grossman, who has been an incredible role model and strong inspiration for me as I strive to learn and grow. I would have never imagined how supported I would feel in my placement school, from Greg, to the students, the administrators, and all of my colleagues. 

What or who inspired you to become a teacher?

Mrs. Ellis, my advisor and ceramics teacher from middle and high school, drove my passion to become an educator. As a quieter student in middle school, she instilled in me a newfound passion for the arts through her innovative projects and deep care for students. Beyond the arts, though, she wanted to hear about my life, my emotions, and support me through difficult moments in high school. Despite holding only a part-time role at the school, she agreed to become my advisor, which formalized her never ending support of me. Her service to me and other students is a driver in my desire not only to teach, but to approach teaching with compassion and empathy, seeking to impact lives in ways beyond the classroom. Mrs. Ellis showed students that, no matter what they were dealing with, she would be there to support them. She encouraged students to be authentic and express themselves fully. Mrs. Ellis taught me that there is an art in serving others and contributing to their well-being. For young people to experience success and joy in the classroom, I have come to believe that they must feel accepted fully for who they are and must be able to express their various identities in the classroom. Mrs. Ellis’ model inspired me to construct learning environments that encourage identity formation and critical consciousness. 

What is your favorite part of the MAT program? 

My favorite part of the program HAS to be the people and community. When I first moved to Providence a few days before the program began, I was certainly nervous about finding my place and my people in a new city that was unfamiliar to me. I vividly remember walking into our first orientation session and June and immediately being greeted by Katie Rieser, who had a huge smile on her face and an aura of warmth around her. Her greeting allowed me to finally let out a sigh of relief – it was my first sign that I had found a new home. Katie sets the tone for the strength and tight-knit community that exists within the MAT program. I feel constantly supported in all of my endeavors and interactions, celebrated for my successes, and pushed to be the best version of myself by my peers and professors. The strong relationships I have formed here continue to make Providence feel more like home each day.

How do you like to spend your free time? 

In my free time, I like to be outside as much as possible. During my four years in Maine for college, I loved hiking, exploring, swimming, and seeing as much of the beautiful state as possible. I enjoyed playing volleyball in college and currently play in the Providence area, love rooting for my beloved Boston Celtics, and enjoy chilling with my two dogs (Remy and Oakley). 

What are you hoping to do after graduation? 

After graduation, I hope to continue teaching social studies to students in the urban setting somewhere in the U.S. (Rhode Island? Massachusetts? California? Who knows!). I also hope to be coaching volleyball and building strong connections with students through the dual relationship as teacher and coach.