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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

7 Things You Didn't Know About Alison Sternal

7 Things You Didn't Know About Alison Sternal

How would you like to make your own toothpaste and marmalade? Just ask Alison Sternal, as she has made both! She is also on her way to starting her second MA program this fall. Read on to learn more about the SDSU/CGU Joint Ph.D. in Education Program’s new program coordinator in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff! 

1.
She has a background in teaching.
Alison is a former elementary school teacher.



2.
Math has grown on her over time!
Alison earned her MA in K-8 Mathematics Education from SDSU. She grew up thinking she was bad at math, but now loves it!



3.
On her way to a second Master’s degree!
Alison is starting another MA program in the fall in Rhetoric & Writing Studies. Her undergraduate degree is in Literature/Writing.



4.
A long time passion…
Alison has been keeping a journal since she was in 4th grade. Writing has always been her passion. She even wrote her college senior thesis on author, Jane Austen.



5.
She ventures abroad! 
Alison studied abroad in Italy (and speaks a little bit of Italian). She loves traveling, and her next destination is Iceland.



6.
She is a DIY connoisseur.
Alison loves learning new things - the most recent thing she learned was how to make marmalade. She also once made her own toothpaste!



7.
Teaching in the desert! 
Alison lived in Yuma, Arizona for three years (while she was teaching). She misses the annual tamale festival and tries to go back every year.





How Alison is making a difference in the College of Education:


“Everyday, I have opportunities to support educators. Through the Math/Science Teacher Initiative, I place math and science undergrad students in tutoring positions at local middle schools and high schools so they can get experience teaching, and hopefully get inspired to become math/science educators. I also help our Ph.D. students navigate the Joint Doctoral Program in Education. I can’t wait to begin seeing students complete the program from start to finish! They are going to go on to teach, conduct research, and create policy that will positively affect education and students, and I’m so happy to learn from and be connected to them.”