Sara Frisbee
As an early childhood education major at Tennessee Tech University, junior Sara Frisbee
came to campus from Maryland looking for an affordable college option. What she also
found was a community and a classroom that confirmed she was exactly where she belonged.
“I’ve always been inspired by kids,” Frisbee said. “Watching them grow, reach milestones
and discover what they’re passionate about is really special. I hope I can be that
inspiration for them, too.”
Frisbee’s desire to teach was shaped early by her parents, who she credits with creating
a loving, supportive environment growing up. That experience sparked her interest
in becoming a teacher who provides the same sense of care and stability for young
learners.
“My parents did such a great job taking care of me as a child,” she said. “That made
me want to take care of other kids, too.”
Seeing the classrooms, meeting faculty and learning about hands-on resources at Tech
helped her picture herself not just as a student, but as a future educator.
“I was immediately hooked,” Frisbee said. “I loved getting to see the buildings we
actually learn in and all the resources available for teachers. It felt very intentional
and welcoming.”
That hands-on approach is what Frisbee says sets the early childhood education program
at Tech apart. From the start, coursework focuses on teaching strategies rather than
just theory, preparing students for real classroom environments.
“Our classes are designed for future teachers,” she said. “Instead of just learning
math or science, we learn how to teach those subjects. It really helps you start thinking
like a teacher early on.”
The moment that confirmed her path came during field experience in Tech’s Child Development
Lab, where Frisbee worked directly with infants and toddlers.
“Walking into a classroom full of smiling kids for the first time, I remember thinking,
‘This is where I belong.’” she said. “Getting to interact with them and help problem-solve
in real situations made everything feel real.”
Beyond the classroom, Frisbee has found a strong sense of belonging through campus
involvement with the International Student Union, where she helps welcome and support
foreign exchange students adjusting to life on campus and in the United States.
“Coming from out of state, I was starting over so I sort of understand,” she said.
“But people here are so friendly. They reach out, invite you places and want you to
feel included. That’s what made Tech feel like home.”
As she looks ahead, Frisbee plans to begin teaching immediately after graduation,
whether in pre-kindergarten or early elementary classrooms. She credits Tech’s hands-on
preparation for giving her the confidence to step into the role.
“Tennessee Tech has shown me what teaching actually looks like,” she said. “It’s helped
me grow not just as a student, but as a future teacher.”