“
GMercyU is really great when it comes to
providing its students with connections to
community school districts.
”
BRIANNA VANDEGRIFT
Education
We all have that one special teacher who made a lasting
impact on our lives. For Brianna Vandegrift, it was the Special
Education staff at General Nash Elementary School.
Brianna was diagnosed with a learning disability as a young
child and, despite her love for education, her social and
academic fear made school less approachable. Through the
dedication and support of the Special Education staff, Brianna
was able to not only turn her learning experience into a positive
one, but also spark her passion for teaching.
“Ever since, I have been inspired to help scaffold other
students’ learning journeys and assist them in becoming lifelong
learners,” Brianna said.
Brianna received her associate degree in early childhood
education from Montgomery County Community College
and wanted to find a school to continue onto her bachelor’s
degree. The biggest factors in her search were finding a school
that accepted a large majority of her credits while also being
affordable.
Just four days after talking with Financial Aid Specialist,
Brahim Bouidi, Brianna signed her acceptance letter and
committed to Gwynedd Mercy University.
“Brahim was very efficient and transparent with
communication and presented my options in a student-friendly
manner. I was intrigued by how well the staff supports their
students through scholarships and acceptance of course
credits,” Brianna said.
10
TODAY
GMercyU’s intimate class sizes enabled Brianna to establish
a sense of comfort and security. She also became involved
in the Best Buddies club on campus, which expanded her
understanding of inclusion and enabled her to grow socially.
Through GMercyU’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP),
Brianna found her home within the North Penn School District.
She was the first student to participate in a cohort between
GMercyU and Gwynedd Square Elementary School and
completed two semesters of TAP and a semester of student-
teaching there.
"GMercyU is really great when it comes to providing its students
with connections to community school districts," Brianna said.
"I was able to get to know the Elementary principal, supervisor
of Special Education, and the supportive faculty, all of which
helped land me a contracted Special Education position starting
in the fall."
Brianna isn’t waiting until the fall to officially begin her
teaching career. After student-teaching, Brianna accepted a
long-term substitute position for the remainder of the 2018-
2019 school year at Gwynedd Square Elementary School and
will serve as a lead teacher in the North Penn School District
Extended School Year this summer.