Student Spotlight Kimberly Manning
Elementary Education
Minor: Special Education
Class: 2026 Hometown: Oakland, N.J.
Manning inspired by hands-on learning and global experience
Kimberly Manning always aspired to be the kind of teacher that would not just support the academic goals of children, but also their social and and emotional development. She came to WVU from Oakland, N.J., and has continued to nurture that aspiration along with balancing her fieldwork, classwork, and campus life. She also added a transformative study abroad experience in South Africa in the summer of 2025 that helped expand her understanding of teaching and learning.
Why did you choose WVU?
I chose WVU because it offers the perfect mix of academics, school spirit, and community pride that I was looking for. When I first visited, I instantly felt like WVU was a place that could become a home away from home for me.
What drew you to the major, and when did you know that this was the career you wanted to pursue?
I was drawn to the Elementary Education major because I knew becoming a teacher was what I had always aspired to be. I have always been passionate about teaching young children how to grow academically, socially, as well as emotionally. The ability to support young students and watch them grow throughout the year is so rewarding.
How has the elementary education program prepared you to step into a classroom upon graduation?
WVU’s Elementary Education program has prepared me to step into my own classroom by providing a supportive learning environment, brilliant professors, and administrators who help guide us through our classes and in-school placements. I have always had the support I have needed in order to succeed in this career field and feel nothing but prepared.
What do you think separates WVU’s program from others?
What I enjoy most about this program is that the classes are small, which allows us to make connections with our professors and make many friends. It feels like everyone in the major, including faculty, all become a little family. Instruction feels personal and individualized, and I have enjoyed my time in the program.
The final two years involve a lot of time in schools. How has that hands-on immersion challenged you or helped you grow?
The hands-on immersion in schools during my final two years has pushed me to grow in ways that coursework alone couldn’t. After spending time in different schools and across a variety of grade levels, I have been challenged to think on my feet, manage a wide range of student needs, and adapt lessons in the moment. I have learned how to build relationships with students, collaborate with mentor teachers, and reflect on my practice in a much deeper way.
How do you balance your time between classes, fieldwork, and your personal life?
As a college student, it is hard to prioritize time for yourself after attending a full day of classes, fieldwork, and a job. I prioritize my time management and organization skills to succeed academically; however, I always make time for self-care as well as socialization with friends.
You spent part of last summer on a Study Abroad trip to South Africa. How did that experience influence the way you think about teaching and learning?
Being in South Africa influenced the way I think about teaching and learning because I gained a new perspective on why education is truly important. After attending lectures at the University of Stellenbosch, talking to professors/student teachers there, and being inside a school, I learned more about educational disparities and why it is important to open our hearts and minds to students who may not be as fortunate or have the same opportunities. This experience has inspired me to give back to lower-income communities, as well as marginalized areas that are in desperate need of teacher support.
What part of experiencing a new culture in South Africa had the biggest impact on you personally?
South Africa was a mind-blowing experience that has impacted me for the rest of my life. I had the opportunity to experience a new culture, interact with people from around the world, as well as see things I had never seen before. The best part had to be teaching in the schools and attending educational lectures at the University of Stellenbosch.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman?
One piece of advice for an incoming freshman is to have fun, socialize, and make memories that will last a lifetime. These four years fly by faster than you can imagine!
What’s the best thing about being a Mountaineer?
The best part about being a Mountaineer is the school spirit and community pride. Whenever I think about being a Mountaineer, I think about the friendships I have made, the football games, and the incredible scenery of the campus.