Taylor Burfeind

Senior Taylor Burfeind says helping people with disabilities is her passion. Now Towson University is helping her turn that passion into a career as a special education teacher.

Burfeind, a graduate of Long Reach High School in Howard County, Md., chose TU after hearing about its history and reputation in teacher preparation.

“ Everyone I spoke with told me Towson was the best place in Maryland to get an education degree. ”

“I’m having a great experience, in the classroom and in my internships. The faculty are always available and I know they’ll continue to be my mentors, even after I graduate.”

Burfeind adds that she also appreciates the supportive network of students she’s met at Towson University. “Because there’s only one cohort in single certification elementary/middle special education, we’ve all really bonded. We support each other’s goals. We even help each other find potential job opportunities.”

Towson University’s emphasis on community service provides Burfeind with opportunities to gain experiences outside of academics. She’s active with the university’s Best Buddies program, which pairs participants with young adults with disabilities. Last year, she served as the group’s president. “It’s meaningful work, and it’s wonderful helping people who are my peers.”

Beyond her academic department, Burfeind also loves meeting people from across the country and around the world when she’s on campus. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and with different interests has broadened her way of thinking, she says.

“I love learning about other people’s perspectives and hearing what they are passionate about. I feel very connected at Towson. It’s a big school but with a very close, unified community.”