Years ago, Neag School alumnus George Schott \u201921 MA, a successful Stamford, Connecticut, financial services executive with a heart for community service, found himself nearing the end of a long career. Reflecting on his earlier experiences working with children at a summer camp and as a Sunday school teacher, Schott recalled his passion for nurturing young minds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve always respected teachers,\u201d Schott says. \u201cAnd I’ve always enjoyed working with kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Schott delved deeper into community initiatives and spearheaded volunteer programs at work like the Reading Heroes for preschoolers and summer internships for high schoolers, he found immense satisfaction in empowering students to reach their full potential. Yet, it wasn’t until reading to third graders at Westover Elementary School in Stamford that Schott experienced an epiphany.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a moment of clarity,\u201d he recalls. \u201cI knew then and there that this was what I wanted to do as a second act.\u201d<\/p>\n
With his 70th birthday looming, Schott made a pivotal decision to pursue his newfound calling. He explored different teaching programs and ultimately chose UConn\u2019s Neag School of Education for its \u201cstellar reputation and personalized approach.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just felt right,\u201d Schott explains. \u201cI wanted to attend the best program I could find, and Neag stood out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schott says he appreciated the warmth and support he received from the faculty and staff at the Neag School’s Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG)<\/a>: \u201cTheir genuine dedication to my success reaffirmed my decision to make a difference in children’s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n It just felt right. I wanted to attend the best program I could find, and Neag stood out. — George Schott<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n His education journey was driven by practical considerations, a profound passion for teaching, and a deep connection to history. Schott recalls childhood memories of exploring the world of politics and stories of great leaders like the Roosevelts. He and his family were invited to meet Eleanor Roosevelt at her residence in New York based on a letter he wrote to her. That experience ignited his interest in history even more.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to teach history,\u201d Schott says. \u201cIt’s my passion.\u201d<\/p>\n However, the practical considerations of limited openings led Schott in a different direction.\u00a0 Receiving guidance and encouragement from mentors at the TCPCG program, he ultimately decided to focus on special education. His says his decision was born out of a desire to \u201cmake a difference with students in an area of critical need.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt the time, I had no idea I had that ability, but was willing to embrace the opportunity,\u201d he says, reflecting on his journey of self-discovery.<\/p>\n\n