Michaela Ott: Choosing Lehigh Over and Over Again

Programs & Timeline:

• B.S./B.A. (Class of 2020)
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education (4+1 Accelerated Program, Class of 2022)
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Expected Class of 2028)

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

Passions: Science Education, Teacher Recruitment & Retention, Equitable Community Care

A Solid Foundation

Proudly born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Michaela Ott came to Lehigh University as an undergraduate and fell in love with the campus, the community, and the world-class pedagogy. When it came time to look at graduate school, the choice to stay was easy.

"I would choose Lehigh over and over again," Ott says. "I had the most incredible time as an undergraduate student, which is why I chose to stay for graduate school. The knowledge, expertise, and pedagogy I received was world-class."

For her master's degree, Ott utilized Lehigh’s 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Program, which allowed her to fast-track her teaching credential. Because Pennsylvania teaching credentials carry strong reciprocity across most U.S. states, the program offered her an incredibly desirable launchpad for a lifelong career in education.

The Centennial School Immersive Advantage

A cornerstone of Ott's preparation occurred at the Centennial School, Lehigh's renowned dedicated lab school. Though her primary focus was on secondary science education rather than a permanent track in special education, the intensive, hands-on environment altered her entire approach to teaching.

"My time at Centennial School truly prepared me to be a teacher. The hands-on and immersive teaching experience while working on my master's degree gave me the skillset I needed to feel and be successful in any classroom I walked into."

An Ever-Evolving Journey in Systemic Leadership 

What makes Ott’s trajectory at Lehigh’s College of Education truly unique is how she embodies the college's interdisciplinary advantage. She appreciates that Lehigh prepares students for a fast-paced, changing world while keeping things deeply customizable.

Currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership, Ott plans to remain in public education as a K-12 administrator after graduation. 

Coffee Shops & Cat Snugglies

When she isn't deep in research, analyzing educational policy, or mapping out community care frameworks, Ott loves enjoying the unique culture of the Lehigh Valley.

• Local Flavor: She loves spending her summers experiencing the incredible energy of Bethlehem's Musikfest and mapping out weekend trips to try all the new artisan coffee shops popping up around the Valley.
• At Home: She is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, a passionate lover of science, and a proud cat mom to her two beloved felines.