All Things ASE
Exploring new horizons:
The educational journey of Leann Beckham ’26 in Bath, England.
Leann on the Stonehenge excursion.
Leann Beckham ’26, a secondary mathematics teacher candidate and Elon Teaching Fellow, found her way to Bath, England, this summer for an experience that broadened her perspective as a student and future educator.
Initially drawn to the idea of a summer study abroad program in Europe, Beckham was further captivated when Rob Jones, the Alumni Association coordinator for advanced studies in England, visited Elon in the spring, sealing her decision to join a program that aligned perfectly with her busy schedule and major requirements.
The education portion of the program offered Beckham a unique mix of hands-on experiences, engaging seminars and unforgettable excursions.
Under the guidance of an American professor, Beckham explored various pedagogies and frameworks designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. By the end of each week, she crafted her own lesson plans and taught them to her classmates, solidifying her understanding of how different teaching strategies can be applied in the classroom.
Leann was placed at Ralph Allen School, a co-ed comprehensive secondary school in Combe Down, on the outskirts of Bath.
On the other side of the educational spectrum, Beckham worked closely with an English professor during her school placement, where she spent a full day each week in a local secondary school. The co-ed public school served students from seventh through 11th grade, allowing Beckham to engage with middle and high school students. Whether providing one-on-one support or working with small groups, Beckham reflected on her experiences weekly, discussing key takeaways with her professor and peers.
“Being able to work in a classroom with such a diverse range of ethnicities and backgrounds gave me a fresh perspective on American education,” Beckham shared. “I had to adapt to the questions students asked me and really think about how I responded. It made me more mindful of the way I explain math concepts, especially when different countries use varying acronyms or methods. For example, PEMDAS in the United States has a different acronym in England, which challenged me to rethink how I present ideas.”
Leann on the Dorset coast, as part of the whole-programme trip.
While the academic experience was enriching, Beckham’s time outside the classroom was equally impactful. Early in her trip, Beckham and her group embarked on a study trip to Dorset’s famed coastline. Their adventure included a scenic hike along the Dorset Coast, where they marveled at the iconic rock formations before trekking back to a charming beach village. This five-mile hike, Beckham recalls, was a major confidence booster: “It was such a beautiful experience, and interacting with people from different backgrounds made it even more memorable,” she said.
Another highlight was a weekend trip to London, where Beckham and her classmates visited an educational park and museums that were focused on children’s learning. While touring various parts of London, she gained deeper insight into how equity in education has evolved across different regions — an experience that resonated with her both as an educator and a lifelong learner.
“This experience made me a more well-rounded educator. It opened my eyes to new teaching methods, helped me navigate cultural differences in the classroom, and made me rethink the way I explain concepts to my students.
I’ve come back with a fresh perspective on education and a renewed passion for teaching.”
Beckham’s study abroad program allowed her to grow both personally and professionally. Immersed in a different culture and educational system, she gained a broader perspective on teaching mathematics, strengthened her adaptability, and became more aware of how language and culture influence learning.
This piece is reproduced from the Elon University website courtesy of its author, Jennifer Strange.