Although the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program here at BYU is small, it is filled with amazing professors who love and care about each of their students. Today we want to introduce you to Dr. Kathie MacKay, professor in the Teacher Education department.
Before coming to teach at the university level, Kathie was a kindergarten teacher in Alpine and Provo School Districts. The experiences she brings to our ECE students about how to help these youngsters is invaluable. Kathie completed a BS in ECE, a MA in Teacher Education, and a PhD in Educational Inquiry, Measurement, and Evaluation ALL FROM BYU!
Kathie is very passionate about creating a positive foundation for students in Pre-K-3rd grade. She says that, "during this time, children develop most of their brain neurons and so the importance of early childhood education should not be underestimated. These early years are the foundation for children's development and learning in their cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical domains."
If you are considering a degree in ECE, here is the advice that Kathie MacKay would give to you! She says, "If you are interested in positively impacting the lives of children, then early childhood education is an excellent field to consider." She also quotes Fred Rogers to show the importance of working in this field.
"Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero." (Fred Rogers)
When Kathie is not teaching and preparing to help her students, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and their three children and six grandchildren. She also loves reading, hiking, sewing, knitting, quilting, and watching British television!
We love having Kathie MacKay as a professor here and we are grateful that she loves us in return! She says, "I love teaching in the early childhood education program at BYU. The students are excellent, and I am blessed by our association. Because our program is small, lifelong friendships are formed as we work together in our studies and field experiences."
Want to learn more about ECE and possibly take a class from Dr. Kathie MacKay? Check out information about the program here!