Welcome to the ACE Alumni Spotlight, where we highlight our alumni and share their stories.
Carissa Domrase is an experienced educator and leader who has been named an Admiral Hayward Scholar, a recipient of the Admiral Hayward Scholarship Award. She graduated with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus area in differentiated instruction in 2023. We were delighted to learn more about her current career and future aspirations.
ACE: Congratulations on being selected as an Admiral Hayward Scholar! What does receiving this award mean to you?
Carissa Domrase (CD): Thank you! I am honored to be recognized for my work in education through this award. It inspires me to continue striving for continuous improvement in the field of education in my local community and beyond.
ACE: We heard that not only are you an ACE alumna, but you graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Way to go! Why have you chosen to return to ACE, and what program are you starting?
CD: I found ACE to be a very accessible program. The consistent structure was very beneficial for me as a neurodivergent individual. This made it a no-brainer for me to return to ACE as I continue my education. My passion for improving the field of education has led me to pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership.
ACE: What’s your current role, and what are your career goals upon earning your doctoral degree?
CD: I am currently serving as the Department Chair for Business and Computer Science at a large high school. I am in my tenth year of teaching and love being in the classroom. I am very happy in my current position and like being in a leadership role where I can make positive impacts on my school while still being in a classroom with my students. My goals for this doctoral degree include expanding my skills as a leader in education to further improve education for all students.
ACE: What led to your passion for education?
CD: My passion for education was largely inspired by many of the teachers I had throughout my K-12 career as a student. Some teachers I had knew how to connect with students to inspire creativity and passion. I was encouraged to follow my passions and curiosities in ways that worked for me. This was further solidified as I worked with kids in summer camps and aftercare programs during college. The connections with kids helped me know that I wanted that rewarding aspect of my job to be a part of my long-term career.
ACE: What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an educator?
CD: For those wanting to become an educator, really spend time experimenting and experiencing to find your passion. I spent time substitute teaching, helping out former teachers, volunteering in schools and working with multiple age groups to get different experiences. This helped me find my passion for secondary STEM education. Don’t be afraid to be creative some days or take it easy other days. Remember, you are a human and constantly learning just like your students!
Being an American College of Education alumni has its perks. When you return as an alumni for another program, you can save 5% off your tuition with the Alumni Continuing Education Grant.
