Student Spotlight: Michaela Ott

If you ask Michaela Ott about her academic journey, one thing becomes instantly clear: she is passionate about Lehigh’s College of Education (COE). In fact, after earning her M.Ed. here in 2022, her love for the COE community and curriculum brought her back to Lehigh for her doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2024.

Discovering an Academic Home with the COE

When Michaela was searching for master's programs, Lehigh’s COE jumped to the top of her list. Few highly regarded universities nationwide offered an accelerated 4+1 master’s program paired with teaching credentials—and Pennsylvania's broad credential reciprocity made it a valuable springboard for her career.

Beyond the academics, it was the supportive, individualized culture within the COE that won her over.

"I would choose Lehigh over and over again. I chose the COE because of the unique and truly one-of-a-kind opportunities it provides. They prepare students for an ever-changing world while still delivering a customizable, individualized approach. The knowledge, expertise, and pedagogy I received were world-class."

-Michaela Ott

Invaluable Teaching Experiences through Centennial School

For Ott, what sets Lehigh’s COE apart is its commitment to real-world preparation. Her teaching experience at Centennial School during her master's program provided an intensive, hands-on environment that shaped her entire teaching philosophy.

While she didn't ultimately pursue a special education route, the immersive skill set and pedagogical training she received through the COE gave her the confidence to step into any classroom—and handle it with success.

Returning to the COE for Her Doctorate

When she decided to pursue leadership roles in public education, staying in the COE family for her Ed.D. felt like coming home. Michaela has spent her career focused on science instruction, and she is interested in working towards solutions to the critical challenge of teacher recruitment and retention. 

Life Around the Lehigh Valley

When she isn't immersed in her COE doctoral coursework, Michaela loves taking advantage of everything the region has to offer:

• Trying out every new local coffee shop popping up around the Lehigh Valley.
• Taking in the summer music and atmosphere at Musikfest.
• Spending quality time at home with her two cats.

The Next Chapter

With her COE training guiding the way, Michaela plans to step into Public K-12 Education Administration after graduation. Her goal is to bring the same world-class support, mentorship, and love of learning she experienced at Lehigh directly into local school districts—inspiring both students and teachers to thrive.