Student Spotlight: Jake Stalsitz

4+1 Accelerated Master’s Program 

Journalism (bachelor’s degree) 
Early Childhood Education (master’s degree)

Why did you choose Lehigh? I chose Lehigh because it feels like home. I’ve always loved the Lehigh Valley and being close to family means a lot to me. My grandfather and uncle are both alumni, so there’s a strong family connection here. The people at Lehigh are special, and the university offers incredible opportunities, both in the classroom and through athletics. I also admire what the football program and coaching staff are building and wanted to be part of it.

What interested you about the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program? Oddly enough, I decided on early childhood education first and then figured out the rest. The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program was my plan from the start. I took a bunch of journalism classes as my gen eds and really liked the way that the professors taught the classes. And as a reporter with The Brown and White, I get to talk to a lot of different types of people and get to know a lot of different stories, which is something I enjoy. 

What was it about becoming an elementary school teacher that appeals to you? Becoming an elementary teacher was not on my radar until I moved to Erie as a teen. I always wanted to enroll in Lehigh for engineering; I love engineering — Legos, bridges, roadways …

I grew up playing youth football with all of those kids over in Southern Lehigh. And when I moved to Erie, there was no youth football organization. My little brother was going into fourth grade as COVID hit. So we didn't play football for the following year. 

The next year, I went to my head coach and said “Hey, can we start a youth organization here?” I had to find sponsorships and boosters and everything to get us started. I started that program with the stipulation that I would coach it. I was 16 when I started coaching, along with a couple of dads. We had around 30 kids join that first year.

That early coaching experience fueled my desire to become a teacher. Coaching and teaching kids in grades third through seventh is so fun to me. Kids are trying to find themselves. They need good role models and somebody they can talk to as an adult. 

I had amazing educators in my life growing up, so I just want to do my part and give back.

What keeps you busy when you’re not in class? I write for The Brown and White, work as a coach coordinator, give private football lessons, and run Lehigh youth camps. I am also a tight end for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks.

What are your favorite things to do in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley? My favorite things to do in Bethlehem are going to events at SteelStacks and spending time around the city during the holidays. Being here at Christmas time is always special. You really get to see Bethlehem live up to its “Christmas City” name with all the lights, markets, and festive atmosphere.

What are you hoping to do after graduation? Next spring I'll be doing my student teaching. So, hopefully I can get a long-term sub position. I've been fortunate enough to make a lot of connections in my years here with schools in the area. I would like to stay local, whether that's one of the suburban school districts, like Parkland or East Penn, or south in Bucks County.