Beth Shaver ’25PHD: ‘My Studies Have Really Reinforced and Deepened My Understanding of the Power of Education’

Beth Shaver ’25PHD has known since she was in high school that she wanted a career as a social studies teacher. But, as her career progressed, she knew she could maximize her impact by earning a Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences’ social studies education concentration from the College of Education.

As she prepares to graduate, she looks back on how she plans to use what she’s learned in the program, as well as through multiple international experiences, to ignite a spark for history in K-12 students and pre-service teachers. 

The following Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. 

Meet Beth:

Hometown: Cary, North Carolina, for the past 20 years, but originally from Pleasant Hill, California

Area of Study: Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences social studies education concentration

Extracurricular activities: I participated in Dr. Chad Hoggan’s Democracy and Social Change study abroad program in Augsburg, Germany and I collected data and ran a three-day teacher professional development program in Kitale, Kenya.

Dissertation focus: My dissertation was on six award-winning middle-grade U.S. history teachers. The focus was on their practices, how they understand their students and their own professional growth in their field.

Tell us about an experience you had with the College of Education that had the biggest impact on you.

The work we did in Kenya had the biggest impact on me. It reminded me, very clearly, of the importance of education and the work that teachers do to support their students around the world. No matter the resources available, there are teachers everywhere who love their profession and their students. When we were collecting data and observing classrooms, I was in a social studies classroom, and the teacher asked me to come up and teach the class about the American. government. This is not at all what I was expecting to do, but it was a highlight of my time and experience.

How has the College of Education prepared you for the next step in your career?

My studies have really reinforced and deepened my understanding of the power of education and the importance of strong teachers. I know that with the knowledge and skills I have gained, I can support teachers in classrooms and through research, no matter what position I hold.

Why did you choose a career in education?

I knew in my junior year of high school, in Mr. Ekdahl’s American history class, that I wanted to be a history teacher. He had a huge impact on me. I never looked back after that.

Why did you choose your specific area of study?

I learned an appreciation for history in Mr. Ekdahl’s class. Over time, it has only been amplified. I love learning about individuals and events, digging into them and teaching them to students. There is nothing more exciting than igniting that same spark in new generations.

What do you hope to accomplish in your field?

I want to be a force amplifier. If I get to continue teaching pre-service teachers, I want to work towards preparing them to be the best possible social studies teachers for their students and to support them in igniting the spark in their students. If I get to teach high school again, I want to take everything I have learned in the Ph.D. program and put it to its best use—supporting student growth, fostering civic preparation and hopefully igniting their own spark.