Brittany Bocan Specht
Passion, Purpose, and a Commitment to Learning: Brittany Bocan Specht’s Story
Brittany Bocan Specht is a 2014 graduate of Marywood University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education. Today, she works as a teacher, bringing the knowledge, experience, and values she developed at Marywood into her classroom each day. Her career reflects a deep commitment to creating supportive learning environments and making a meaningful difference in the lives of her students.
Brittany chose Marywood because of its strong reputation for teacher preparation and its emphasis on hands on classroom experience. What stood out to her most was the opportunity to begin field placements as early as freshman year. “Students are able to build confidence and practical teaching skills long before student teaching,” she says. She was also drawn to the University’s small class sizes and supportive faculty. “The program emphasizes mentorship, and professors treat students like future educators rather than just students,” she says.
Brittany also valued the balance between educational theory and hands on learning. Marywood’s School of Education emphasized research based teaching methods, inclusive classrooms, leadership development, and technology integration. “I feel are essential for modern educators,” she says.
Two people who had a particularly significant influence on Brittany’s time at Marywood were Sister Frances Russell and Dr. Christine Fryer. “Their mentorship, encouragement, and dedication to education had a lasting impact on both my academic journey and professional goals,” she says.
Sister Frances Russell made a lasting impression through her literacy courses. “Her passion for reading education and student learning inspired me to continue my education beyond my undergraduate degree,” Brittany says. With her guidance and encouragement, Brittany decided to pursue her master’s degree and eventually earn her reading specialist certification.
Dr. Christine Fryer also played an important role in Brittany’s development as an educator. “Her support, high standards, and commitment to preparing future teachers helped me build confidence in my abilities and strengthened my passion for teaching,” she says. Together, their mentorship inspired Brittany to continue growing as an educator and lifelong learner.
One of Brittany’s proudest professional accomplishments came during the 2025 to 2026 school year, when she was selected as Campus Teacher of the Year at Valley Oaks Elementary in Spring Branch Independent School District. As a second grade teacher, the recognition was especially meaningful because it honored her efforts to create “a creative, compassionate, and supportive learning environment” for her students.
She was also honored with the PTA Honorary Life Membership Award, a recognition celebrating dedication and service to children and the community. “This recognition was especially meaningful to me because it reflected the relationships I have built with students, families, colleagues, and the wider Valley Oaks community,” she says. Both honors have reaffirmed her passion for education and her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of her students every day.
Brittany credits Marywood’s education program with giving her a strong foundation in both educational theory and practical classroom experience. “One of the most valuable parts of the program was the opportunity to begin field experiences early, which allowed me to work directly with students and apply what I was learning in real classroom settings,” she says.
Her education also emphasized literacy instruction, differentiated learning, and creating supportive classroom environments that meet the needs of all students. Her literacy courses, particularly those taught by Sister Frances Russell, played an important role in shaping her professional path and inspiring her to continue her education.
Brittany also credits Marywood’s faculty with helping her develop as a reflective and student centered educator. “Professors like Dr. Christine Fryer encouraged me to think critically about instruction and helped me build confidence as an educator,” she says. Ultimately, Marywood prepared her not only with the instructional knowledge and skills needed to become an effective teacher, but also with “the values of compassion, leadership, and lifelong learning” that continue to guide her career.
Outside the classroom, Brittany was involved in PSEA, Kappa Delta Pi, where she served as Chapter President, and Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta. These experiences gave her additional opportunities to develop leadership skills, connect with fellow students, and become involved in the education community.
Looking back, Brittany believes her Marywood experience shaped her personal growth in significant ways. “The university helped me become more confident, reflective, and compassionate, both personally and professionally,” she says. Through her coursework, field experiences, and relationships with faculty and classmates, she learned the importance of “leadership, service, and lifelong learning.”
Her time at Marywood also helped her discover the kind of teacher and person she wanted to become. “The supportive environment encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, build confidence in my abilities, and develop a strong sense of purpose,” she says. Most importantly, she learned the value of empathy, collaboration, and meaningful relationships. Those lessons continue to shape how she connects with her students, colleagues, and community.
For current students in Marywood’s education programs, Brittany encourages them to take advantage of every opportunity to learn. “The field placements and student teaching experiences are incredibly valuable,” she says, encouraging students to approach each experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn from every student, mentor teacher, and challenge they encounter.
She also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with professors and classmates. “The faculty truly care about helping students grow into successful educators, and their guidance and mentorship can have a lasting impact both personally and professionally,” she says.
Brittany encourages future educators to remain flexible and reflective throughout their careers. “Teaching is always evolving, and some of the best learning comes from adapting, trying new strategies, and reflecting on what works best for students,” she says. She reminds students to be patient with themselves as they grow because “confidence comes with experience.”
Above all, Brittany encourages future educators to remember why they chose the profession in the first place. “The work teachers do every day matters deeply, and the relationships you build with students can make a lifelong difference,” she says. Her advice is to “stay passionate, compassionate, and committed to being a lifelong learner.”
From her early classroom experiences at Marywood to her recognition as an outstanding educator, Brittany’s journey demonstrates the lasting impact of strong mentorship, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Her story is a testament to the difference a dedicated educator can make, one student and one classroom at a time.