#Fisher2025: Alumna Moves from Student to Teacher

After crossing the stage to receive her diploma at Commencement, Emily Tollar stepped straight into the classroom, putting her degree in inclusive childhood education to work as a middle school special education teacher.

Tollar graduated among the top of her class, earning the Trustees Distinguished Scholar Award, given to graduating seniors with the highest cumulative GPA based on at least 100 graded credits earned at Fisher, as well as several accolades through the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education.

A Service Scholar and member of the Honors Program, Tollar’s experience at Fisher fostered professional and personal growth, helping her build confidence while serving the community.

“I’ve been in the classroom since my second year and have experienced different teaching methods in a variety of settings which has allowed me to step into my own classroom confident that I have everything I need to be a successful teacher,” she said. 

With the school year now complete, Tollar has returned to the classroom as a student, enrolling in the University of Massachusetts Boston’s master’s degree special education program, which can lead to licensure as a teacher of students with visual impairments.

In five years, she sees herself in the classroom, serving as a special education teacher or teacher of the visually impaired.