SXU Education Student Honored at CLAE Awards
Saint Xavier University (SXU) student Kylie Galbraith has earned the College of Liberal Arts and Education's Outstanding Secondary Education Student Award. Galbraith was selected for her academic excellence, significant involvement on campus, and commitment to scholarship and service.
"Receiving the Outstanding Secondary Education Student Award is an incredibly fulfilling experience. I feel truly honored to be recognized, especially in a field that I care so deeply about. This award shows that all the hard work, time and effort I've put into my studies and preparing for my future as a teacher have really paid off. It also gives me even more motivation and excitement as I get ready to start my teaching career," said Galbraith.
Galbraith, who majors in English secondary education with a minor in writing, was drawn to study education because of her strong passion for teaching and genuine desire to help students reach their full potential.
"There's something meaningful about being part of a student's journey during such an important stage of their life and helping them build confidence in themselves. My time at Saint Xavier University has prepared me well for this role. Through a mix of challenging coursework and hands-on field experiences, I've gained both the knowledge and practical skills I need to be an effective educator. Each class has built on the last, helping me grow in areas like lesson planning, classroom management, and student-centered teaching," said Galbraith.
Galbraith is thankful for the high-impact learning opportunities she's gained at SXU, which she believes have played a significant role in her growth, both as a future teacher and a person.
"The field experiences have been incredibly meaningful, as they've allowed me to apply what I've learned in real classroom settings and grow through hands-on teaching. Alongside these experiences, I've worked on academic projects, including research papers, reflection assignments, and regular journaling. These opportunities have encouraged me to think critically about my teaching approach, assess my own development, and reflect on how I can best support my students, shaping me into a more purposeful and prepared teacher," said Galbraith.
During her time at SXU, Galbraith was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education and has consistently been named to the Dean's List. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA over the past semesters, which she is especially proud of. Galbraith is co-founder and treasurer of the Future Teachers Association, an organization dedicated to supporting and connecting future educators. She has also worked at SXU's Shannon Center for most of her college career, which she believes helped her to develop important professional skills and form valuable connections and friendships with other students and staff.
"I truly enjoyed getting to meet and interact with so many people at the Shannon Center, which made the campus feel like a second home. I've also cherished the moments shared in class, especially the smaller discussions that led to meaningful conversations and lasting friendships. The supportive community at SXU, both academically and socially, has made my college experience incredibly rewarding and memorable," said Galbraith.
Galbraith will be joining the faculty at Evergreen Park Community High School this fall. She is thrilled to become part of a school community that values lifelong learning and student growth. In the coming years, she plans to pursue a master's degree and is excited for the journey ahead.