Shining graduate & medal recipient Kacie Neamtu (BA/BEd '11, MA '21)
Take risks, make connections, and believe in yourself. No matter how bad the timing may seem (my son wasn’t yet born when I started grad school and turned 2 three weeks after my defense), if you’re working on something you really care about, you never know what you can achieve!
Kacie, congratulations on convocating and being awarded the Silver Medal of Merit! What does this academic recognition mean to you?
It is a shock and an honour to be recognized like this. My thesis work was so meaningful to me, not only as a person, but for my own teaching practice that I am humbled that it is proving to be valuable to others as well. I am so appreciative to all those who helped me achieve this goal, because these sorts of accomplishments do not happen in isolation.
Tell us, why did you choose to pursue graduate studies?
Lifelong learning has always been important to me. I have always known I wanted to pursue graduate studies, and when I was presented with the opportunity to study a passion of mine, writing instruction, it was something I knew I had to jump at.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
My research focuses on writing instruction practices and how they are or are not rooted in pedagogical theories. After completing a deep exploration of writing pedagogy, I crafted a construct model for effective writing instruction rooted in those pedagogies. I then observed a high school ELA teacher as she taught her students on writing forms. I then compared her practices to that model to explore where and which pedagogies appear in instructional practices. I hope this research offers insight into how teachers understand writing instruction, and how our educational institutions and professional development can equip teachers to build writing programs with strong pedagogical roots.
Is there a person on campus who had an important influence on your experience here?
Throughout my education at uLethbridge I have had impactful experiences with two important influences. The first is the Organization of Residence Students, through which I “found my people” when first moving to Lethbridge in 2005. Living in residence and then becoming an RA was transformative for myself and my identity. The second would be working with such powerful mentors in the education faculty here, namely Dr. Leah Fowler and Dr. David Slomp who have shaped so much of my educational lens to be forward thinking, compassionate, and always striving to be better.
What was your most memorable experience while at the University of Lethbridge?
The University of Lethbridge has been my home for a long time. When I think of memorable moments, it’s the people of the U of L that make it so special. My memory is flooded with the friends who became my family. From the hijinks of my first year to major life milestones, every memory includes the people— both friends and colleagues— I met at uLethbridge.
Any advice for those about to begin their graduate journey?
Take risks, make connections, and believe in yourself. No matter how bad the timing may seem (my son wasn’t yet born when I started grad school and turned 2 three weeks after my defense), if you’re working on something you really care about, you never know what you can achieve!
That is some sagely advice! What’s next for you, Kacie?
This is the ultimate question, isn’t it? For now, it is focusing back on my own teaching and implanting my learning into my classroom for the benefit of my students whom I care so much about!
Stay in Touch!
We are excited about your future and want to continue to follow your story. Please do stay in touch! We love nothing more than getting an unexpected update from one of our alums.
School of Graduate Studies: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter
uLethbridge: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
And be sure to keep your contact information up to date with Alumni Relations! It helps us all stay connected and the folks in Alumni Relations have all sorts of benefits and events to keep you involved in the uLethbridge family.