“I love the pacing of the program. As a teacher, wife, mother and volunteer in numerous organizations my time is definitely valuable. We have one class at a time which makes it easier to focus and not be so overwhelmed.” – Courtnee Austin

Courtnee has been teaching for 20 years in a school division where she grew up and was well educated, and will soon be moving to a new position as a Title 1 Math Specialist in the upcoming school year. When not teaching and attending school, she likes to collect Barbie dolls in her spare time and currently has over 300 in their boxes.

She chose to attend ���Ĵ�ý Online due to classes being in an online setting, making them ideal for working professionals like Courtnee. “The online platform was a definite draw to the school. Also, having one, eight-week class at a time. I knew that I wouldn’t be as overwhelmed with all of the other obligations that I have.”

With a positive and encouraging mindset, we are sure that Courtnee is meant for great things and are proud to have her as a part of the ���Ĵ�ý family.

Click here to learn about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs!��

The post Cougar Spotlight: Meet Courtnee Austin appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

“The professors are genuine and care about the students. The course work assignments and materials provided are enriching and intriguing.They align to real world situations that can be relatable to current working environment settings.” -Keith Burdette, M.Ed., 2021

Keith chose to obtain his degree at ���Ĵ�ý because of the flexibility the programs provided him with his busy work schedule. He was inspired by the ���Ĵ�ý faculty and staff and their commitment to providing students with the best educational experience possible.

As part of the M.Ed. – Administration and Supervision program, Keith valued the flexibility offered in his coursework. He enjoyed the asynchronous classes within the program and how they provided him with the ability to work on his own schedule and complete his work at his own pace.

Outside of the classroom setting, Keith enjoys watching documentaries to learn new things. Also, Keith is a music guru and often partakes in listening to a variety of music genres.

When we asked Keith to provide advice for those thinking about pursing their educational journey, Keith said the following; “If you have a career in mind and what to achieve better for yourself, then pursue your degree. Don’t let fears or doubts discourage you from furthering your education.”

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs!

The post Cougar Spotlight: Keith Burdette appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

Helpful, Accessible Advisors

So, you expressed interest in the master’s program at ���Ĵ�ý…now what? What’s next is the best part: you meet the team who will be there to completely support you as you begin your journey! Your ���Ĵ�ý admissions counselor will immediately begin helping with your educational plans and will help you get all of the necessary documentation submitted.

Once you have been accepted, your assigned advisor will begin helping you build your schedule and determine the best path for you to take towards completing your degree. These advisors are there for you, to support you, and are accessible by phone or e-mail daily. They are there to cheer you along and help guide you in the right direction as you begin this journey. Advisors and counselors are dedicated to ensuring your success. Anytime you have questions or concerns, they are there to help point you in the right direction.

You are not alone in this process and no matter the concern, you have someone to reach out to at all times. They know that you are a working adult with a family and other responsibilities; therefore, they work to ensure that you are reminded of timelines and requirements as well as support you when there is uncertainty. ���Ĵ�ý’s advisors are top-notch and will certainly be a helping hand as you enter into what could be unfamiliar and frightening territory.

Resources Available

���Ĵ�ý is equipped with a plethora of available resources for prospective students and current students. The website is designed to be user-friendly with pop-ups and notifications to help guide you through it.

When you first arrive on the ���Ĵ�ý’s website, you will find easy-to-access information regarding admissions, degree opportunities, class size and financial aid options. There are virtual tours of the campus, information about different undergraduate and graduate programs, statistics and pathways for anyone, no matter where you are in your educational journey.

Anything that you need can be found on the website, and if not, someone is always available to help by phone or e-mail. ���Ĵ�ý makes it very easy to gather information about potential offerings and provides all the resources necessary to guide you through the admissions process. The staff at ���Ĵ�ý works to ensure that your needs are met��effortlessly as you embark on your educational endeavor.

Navigating Requirements and Locating Information

As you navigate through the web pages, you will be able to locate information about different program offerings, financial aid options and admissions requirements. ���Ĵ�ý’s website is very accessible, providing all of the key information that a new student would need. As you find your information and inquire about the application process, you will be contacted by admissions staff who will help you understand what required documentation is needed and how to best submit all information.

The faculty and staff at ���Ĵ�ý never wants you to feel alone while seeking information; someone is always available. My favorite part of ���Ĵ�ý’s website is all of the pop-up reminders and notifications; whether it is to chat, to browse programs, or to remind of timelines, the university does an amazing job of keeping you informed and aware of all opportunities.

Financial Aid

The ���Ĵ�ý’s website provides a variety of information regarding financial aid, grants and scholarships. Everything that you could need can be found on the website’s financial aid page.

You might be thinking: “How in the world am I going to afford this?” ���Ĵ�ý provides financial aid and scholarships to 99% of all students, reaching $20 million dollars every year. There are numerous opportunities for students to afford a new degree, and I love that ���Ĵ�ý makes that process easy. There is even a cost estimating calculator on the website to help you plan out your expenses!

The counselors will also meet with you via Zoom or phone to go over the financial aid options to make the entire process personal. ���Ĵ�ý truly tries to find every way to make higher education affordable for everyone.

Flexible Online Programs

Busy lives are the reality of many graduate students, and ���Ĵ�ý truly embraces the fact that many are coming back to continue their education in the midst of working and maintaining a normal schedule.

As a working professional, I needed a program that was flexible and convenient based on my crazy agenda. When searching through ���Ĵ�ý’s offerings, I quickly found that their online programs were made for me! I was still skeptical because I knew that I needed true flexibility and I worried that between my job, family, coaching, and coursework that I would have a hard time keeping my head above water. The admissions counselors and advisors eased my mind with examples and course layouts so that I could see how the program would work ahead of time. It was absolutely flexible and tailored to a very busy working girl’s schedule.

���Ĵ�ý structures coursework for online classes in an accelerated format to help students finish quickly, as well as have the due dates and assignments pre-planned so that it makes it possible to plan ahead. There is also a break slotted in between each class to help make managing school and life a little easier.�� I witnessed that the professors were accommodating to stressful situations and would work with you to remain successful.

Choosing ���Ĵ�ý was the best decision that I have ever made; the Master’s of Education in Administration and Supervision could not have been a better fit for me as I continued to reach for my professional goals. I believe ���Ĵ�ý provides every opportunity for all students to be successful, and I am proud to be a Cougar!

-Elizabeth Fulcher | District STEM and Career Coordinator; M. Ed. In Administration and Supervision from ���Ĵ�ý

The post How ���Ĵ�ý Made the Admissions Process Easy appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

So far, my favorite thing about ���Ĵ�ý is how all of my professors have been available to answer questions and to explain any material that I have confusion over. – Debbie Spear, M.Ed. – Curriculum and Instruction

Due to a partnership between ���Ĵ�ý Online and Petersburg City Public Schools, Debbie Spear decided to pursue her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. ���Ĵ�ý Online welcomed her and a cohort of other teachers from Petersburg City Public Schools to support K-12 teachers. Debbie has a passion for math, so she was excited for the opportunity to go back to school and learn new skills.

���Ĵ�ý Online is dedicated to student success and makes it easy for students to transition back into their studies. Debbie is especially appreciative of the dedication provided by her instructors and how they are there to help her every step of the way. If she is ever confused about course material, they are quick to respond and guide her in understanding.

When asked to provide advice to those debating going back to school, Debbie said, “Do it! Don’t let age or anything else keep you from bettering yourself. Just make sure to get a planner to keep yourself organized and on task.”

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs!

The post Cougar Spotlight: Debbie Spear appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

“I loved my time at ���Ĵ�ý! I enjoyed being able to complete my courses online while still feeling like part of the AU family. ���Ĵ�ý made continuing my education fit into my busy schedule.” – Jessica Lule, M.Ed., ’21

Jessica is a wife and mother of two daughters while also being an elementary educator for Pittsylvania County Schools. Her driving force to complete her education was her family, and wants to show her daughters that they can accomplish their goals despite life’s “curveballs.”

After graduating from Liberty University in 2017, she chose to enroll in ���Ĵ�ý’s Master of Education program in 2019. She decided to attend ���Ĵ�ý due to the family atmosphere and resources available for online students, including on-campus support if needed.

Her advice for those wanting to further their education at ���Ĵ�ý Online is to “Go for it!” You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.” While she just graduated in May, Jessica is already applying what she learned in curriculum and instruction to her own classroom. We love having you be a part of the Cougar family Jessica!

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs.��

The post Cougar Spotlight: Jessica Lule appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

In March, ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. program welcomed twelve teachers from Petersburg City Public Schools, who are excited for the opportunity to learn new skills to support K-12 students and adding an endorsement to their teaching license. The cohort includes: Kara Ingram, Sheila Mosby, Shanna Finklin, Patrice Godbolt, Morgan Wolfe, Kathleen Drummond, Erin Coleman, Deborah Spear, Kelly Nix, Alyssa Burke, Courtnee Austin, and Michael McKenzie.

These fantastic teachers were formally welcomed into the program by ���Ĵ�ý President, Dr. Tiffany Franks and Superintendent of Petersburg City Public Schools, Dr. Marie Pitre-Martin during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, March 23.��

The majority of the Petersburg Cohort are pursuing a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, which leads to a math specialist endorsement or they are pursing a M.Ed. – Reading Specialist Endorsement. However, there are a few who are taking the reading specialist endorsement courses only.��

In addition to the endorsement programs, Petersburg teachers in the reading specialist program will also be eligible to obtain an endorsement for an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. The coursework prepares licensed teachers to take the ESOL Praxis, an ESL endorsement option currently honored by the Virginia Department of Education.

In addition to the above mentioned programs, ���Ĵ�ý Online also offers master’s and endorsement coursework in:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Gifted Education��
• Administration and Supervision,
• Educational Foundations, and
• Special Education��

To learn more about ���Ĵ�ý’s M.Ed. programs click here.��

The post ���Ĵ�ý M.Ed. Program Welcomes Petersburg City Schools Cohort�� appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

Toney McNair decided to pursue his M.Ed. – Administration & Supervision degree at ���Ĵ�ý after the program was suggested by one of his colleagues. Throughout his program, he was named Teacher of the Year, and often relied on faculty members for their support, advisement, and encouragement. Toney said, key members of our faculty played an important role to his success during his time here at ���Ĵ�ý. Our faculty helped ensure Toney’s success both in and outside the classroom by providing one-on-one attention, and making sure he had the tools he needed to succeed.

Click here to learn more about our M.Ed. programs!

The post Meet Toney, one of our M.Ed. – Administration and Supervision graduates! appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

My favorite thing about ���Ĵ�ý would have to be the people. Through ���Ĵ�ý, I was able to meet and connect with a lot of influential people who helped me throughout my educational journey. – Courtney, ’20

Courtney obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at ���Ĵ�ý, and fell in love with their education programs. When she decided to pursue her M.ED. choosing ���Ĵ�ý was an easy decision for her.

One of her favorite things about the M.ED. – Curriculum and Instruction program was the preparation it gave her for her career as a teacher. This particular program allowed Courtney to have�� classroom practicums at a variety of schools and in different grades, which gave her a lot of practice in several different areas!

If you are debating starting or going back to school Courtney provided excellent advice. She says for anyone who is thinking about obtaining their degree to put away any fears they may have and go for it. There is nothing better than receiving an education that will benefit you tremendously down the road!

Click our link to learn more about our M.ED – Curriculum and Instruction program!

The post Meet Courtney, one of M.ED. – Curriculum and Instruction Graduates! appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

Through academically rigorous course offerings, outstanding instructors, and proactive support systems, ���Ĵ�ý empowers all students to be life-long learners. – Jeremy Clark, ’09 ’20

Jeremy Clark is a M.ED – Curriculum and Instruction and M.ED – Administration and Supervision graduate, who has worked for Norfolk Public Schools for over 20 years. Jeremy’s journey at ���Ĵ�ý allowed him to accelerate his career as he moved from an English teacher, department chairperson and most recently gaining a promotion to Dean of Students in his school division.

The M.ED programs Jeremy chose were perfect for his lifestyle, as they allowed him to continue his educational journey, while working fulltime. Each course Jeremy took gave him real-world experience and challenged him to think critically, so he would be able to make crucial decisions in his career.

Congratulations Jeremy! Keep up the good work!

Click here to read more about our M.ED programs.

The post Meet Jeremy, one of our M.ED students! appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.