Great Grad Stories: UMF Student Alice Skiff “Creating Caring Classrooms”

Alice Skiff, from Newcastle, Maine, is graduating with a UMF Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and she remembers the first time she heard about inclusion—the practice of educating all students together in general education classrooms, regardless of ability.

She was in middle school in the Great Salt Bay Community School that serves students from Newcastle, Damariscotta, and Bremen. The classroom teacher was talking about how each student learns differently and that welcoming all students fosters a sense of belonging, builds confidence and helps students be successful.

“That had a big effect on me,” said Skiff. “I wanted that kind of balanced educational experience for myself and I wanted to share it with others.”

Skiff was recovering from a life-threatening illness and understood better than most that everyone has their own individual strengths and unique experiences to share with their learning environment. Her early-life experiences inspired her to seek out the educational community that would put her on the path to being that kind of teacher. She found it at Farmington.

“I was nervous about finding the right college, the right fit for myself,” said Skiff. “I visited several Maine schools but it wasn’t until I came to Farmington and the genuine warm welcome I received that I felt that sense of belonging.”

Skiff is graduating from UMF Summa Cum Laude—the highest Latin honor awarded at any university graduation.

“Alice shows a strong commitment to self-advocacy, problem solving, and personal drive and has accomplished finishing the special education major program with strong grades and will be graduating with honors. She will be a sensitive, thoughtful, and deliberate special educator,” said Brianna Grumstrup, assistant professor of Special Education.

In addition, Skiff is a powerhouse of community service. She has been an active member for more than three years of the UMF Rotaract Club– a global organization for young adults focused on community service and leadership. She served as lead on the organization’s campus Red Cross blood drive and helped with several fundraisers including the library fundraiser and the holiday Festival of Trees. She also has served as a volunteer counselor at Camp Sunshine, a Maine camp that provides hope and community for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

After graduation, she will be returning to her home community in Newcastle to teach.

“Education is a lifeline for so many people, and they can learn in so many ways. I have loved my time at UMF but am so excited about being a special education teacher and seeing everyone feel valued and empowered.