In March, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ 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 ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ 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, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ 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 ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s M.Ed. programs click here. 

The post ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ M.Ed. Program Welcomes Petersburg City Schools Cohort  appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Online.

Hello! I am Susan Shea Stimeling, educator, mother, grandmother, equestrian, and soon to be graduate of the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Master of Education Administration and Supervision program. I am blessed with three beautiful and wonderful daughters, four grandchildren, and seven horses! I grew up in Craig County, Virginia where I work as the Middle School Coordinator for Craig County Public Schools. I earned my undergraduate degree in 1988 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  I am also a Certified Farrier with credentials from the Eastern School of Farriery, Martinsville, Virginia. I will graduate from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ on May 4, 2019.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½?

After my children were out of the nest, I decided it was time to take the next professional step on my career path in education. I chose the field of administration to become a supporter of teachers and students in the ideology of coaching and mentoring to better meet the needs of global education in the 21^st century.

Why did you choose ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

I chose ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ for its superior offerings in an online format. My degree will allow me to work and excel in the continually advancing and evolving educational workforce. I hope to later continue my studies in a doctoral program in education.

I chose ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ for its superior offerings in an online format.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s GPS Program?

I advise current and incoming students to strive to develop a balance amongst their familial, professional, and educational commitments with the focus meeting their own personal needs. Give yourself permission to take time to reflect on what is important and leave the rest for the universe to take care of for you! Develop relationships with colleagues in your cohort and collaborate with them regarding your successes and challenges. These ideas will assist you when you feel that the pressures of multiple work and personal roles are barriers to meeting your goals.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

May 2019

Learn about our M.Ed. Programs

Download M.Ed. Requirements

The post Meet Susan Shea Stimeling, Master of Education Administration and Supervision Student appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Online.

My name is Jessica Draper, and I am currently a fourth grade special education teacher at Galax City Elementary School in the small, mountainous city of Galax, Virginia. I moved to Galax three years ago from Farmville, Virginia, where I taught for four years and attended elementary through high school. Upon moving to Galax, I started a family. I have a two and a half year old little girl who is the light of my life. She and I enjoy spending time visiting antique stores, attending auctions, and filling my small booth in a local antique store full of treasures. We live on a small beef cattle farm and spend much time outdoors working on the farm and playing in the yard. I enjoy running and participating in cross training classes in my spare time (haha!).

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½?

Beginning school again as a new mom was a huge decision, but one that was necessary to achieve my ultimate dream of working in administration. My biggest motivation is my students. The students in my community deserve a leader that is knowledgeable and dedicated- that is what keeps me going! Once this program is complete, the impact I will be able to make will be much greater than what I am currently able to do.

Why did you choose ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

I chose ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s Graduate and Professional Studies Program because the program was completely online and flexible. The teachers and mentors were involved with my learning immediately and reassured me that I would be successful, even though the program was a large undertaking.

How has your degree from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ assisted you in your career?

The GPS degree program has allowed my leadership skills to flourish and come around full circle. As I have said many times, my confidence has increased and it shows in my daily work with the students, parents, and teachers in my community.

The teachers and mentors were involved with my learning immediately and reassured me that I would be successful, even though the program was a large undertaking.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s GPS Program?

Be involved, communicate openly with your instructors, soak in every reading, participate in discussion posts, and glean all knowledge possible from field experience opportunities. These experiences have expanded my confidence in myself as a teacher and, furthermore, allowed me to see that I can and will become a leader in my community one day.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

The end is in sight and the benefits are much greater than the amount of work that is currently being done! I have made it almost two years working full time, attending school full-time, and raising a child, now I know I can do anything that I set my mind to!

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

My anticipated date of graduation is May 2019! I am beyond blessed and excited to finally close my administration degree journey and hopefully open many doors to possible administrative positions in my district.

Learn about our M.Ed. Programs

Download M.Ed. Requirements

The post Meet Jessica Draper, Master of Education Administration and Supervision Student appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Online.

My name is Erin French. I have been teaching for 3 years now. I start my teaching career in North Carolina as a 2nd grade assistant moving the next year to teaching 8th grade social studies then the following year 6th grade social studies before finding my ideal job as a special education teacher at Chatham Middle School in Virginia. My decision to teach came after many wrong choices of career paths in my life. However, one of those choices was training service dogs for children with autism. Working with the children with autism started my desire to want to help more children with special needs learn to not only cope with their disabilities but succeed and do great things.

I started working on my Master in Special Education my 2nd year teaching, which was the year I started teaching 8th grade social studies. That was a very challenging year learning to run a middle school classroom and juggle classwork for my degree. My second year teaching, while still working on figuring out the ins and outs of running classroom successfully I had my husbands and my first son. Yes, I was still working on my master’s the whole time, learning to teach and pregnant then caring for a new family. However, things could not have gone better thanks to the wonderful staff, teachers, success counselors and advisors at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½?

Before deciding where to attend school to obtain my Master’s in Special Education I looked at several schools that had online programs as well as on campus classes. When I talked with ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ they were by far the most motivational and inspirational school I had dealt with. They did not hesitate to encourage me and warn me about the problems I could occur. They also were extremely easy to get in contact with when I had additional questions and within days it was obvious they were a school that cared about me being a successful student and that was where I wanted to attend.

Why did you choose ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

My goal was to be able to teach special education. My background was a BA in Criminal Justice. I did not have a previous teaching degree. They had the exact program I was looking for which included receiving my teaching license at the completion of my degree in special education.

When I talked with ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ they were by far the most motivational and inspirational school I had dealt with.

How has your degree from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ assisted you in your career?

My degree from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ has allowed me to obtain my dream job as a special education teacher. Without attending ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ and the wonderful professors I would not have the knowledge to perform my job adequately.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s GPS Program?

ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s GPS Program is a program that is geared towards you being a successful student. If you need help reach out to your success counselors or professors they are always willing to work with you to be sure you are able to complete your program.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

My biggest motivation by far was my family and knowing they needed me to have this degree so I could provide for them. Also, though it has always been a passion of mine to teach special education and knowing how much I could change children’s lives keep me going through the tough times.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

May 4, 2019

Learn about our M.Ed. Programs

Download M.Ed. Requirements

The post Meet Erin French, Master of Education Student appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Online.

I have several motivations for obtaining my degree. I work for an alternative school where the students need to be encouraged to venture outside of their comfort zone and with all that they are familiar. I obtained my degree for me. I needed to prove to myself that it’s not too late to push my limits. Most of all, I obtained my degree for my children. They need to know that achievement is possible if you set your mind to it.

Why did you choose ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program?

The ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ GPS Program was the most successful at providing a structure that I could reach my goals. Regardless of my commitments or challenges in other areas of my life, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ worked with me to ensure my success. It was convenient and informative. I learned a great deal through ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s GPS Program. I know that I am better qualified to teach and lead others because of ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:

Manage your time effectively. It is possible to balance work, family, church, social life and school. Use your time wisely and success will follow.

What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?

I keep motivated by thinking of my students and children.

What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?

ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, Class of 2017

Download M.Ed. Requirements

The post Meet Melissa Hamilton, M.Ed. in Special Education Student! appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Online.