Ryan graduated from Thomas University with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and currently works as an eighth-grade social studies teacher for a middle school in Georgia. Having already been named ‘Teacher of the Year’ twice and serving as a teacher leader in his school, we wanted to know more about Ryan and his time at Thomas University pursuing his master’s degree.
When did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I knew, after a few years in the classroom, that I needed an additional degree, but I had no clue where I wanted to obtain that degree from. I considered all types of programs from schools all over the United States. I spent countless hours (just ask my wife) researching, discussing, and considering all the options before me. One day, in my box at work, I received a flyer about Thomas University. The flyer spoke of respecting the time and obligations of working adults, small class sizes with caring professors (completely true), and a program completed from the comfort of your own home. I realized how convenient this sounded and decided to go for it. My experience allowed me the opportunity to grow professionally and helped me adapt in the classroom. I have bragged about this program many times and am honored to share my experience at Thomas University with you all.
Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?
I joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school. I was well prepared for that setting thanks to my parents, teachers, and coaches. As a Marine, I was thrust into situations where I was teaching other Marines how to do specific skills. I was able to train other Marines how to shoot and realized how much I enjoyed teaching. Those experiences, along with the vast amount of respect for my childhood teachers, inspired me to continue serving others through teaching.
Why did you choose Thomas University for your master’s degree in curriculum and instruction?
One point that sold me on attending Thomas University was the convenience of never having to leave my home to obtain the degree. My wife and I were new parents at the time. The idea of leaving the house one night a week was not appealing. The program being completely online and class being every other week was important to my family and pushed us toward this particular program.
The program also sold me on the academic challenge it promised. Course descriptions allowed me to understand how I could grow professionally in the classroom and allowed me to visualize how I could influence teachers if I decided to pursue the role of subject department chair (which I now am) or instructional coach.
What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at Thomas University and how do you use them today?
Prior to earning my degree in curriculum and instruction, I opposed using technology in my classroom. The curriculum and instruction program helped me see the benefit technology adds to a classroom environment. I did my research on flipping classrooms and continue to use videos to flip my classroom in order to protect my instructional time with students. I also gained experience in understanding how social-emotional learning impacts students in the classroom and now use restorative language when interacting with students.
How has your master’s degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to obtain in the future?
Quickly after completing my degree, I moved into the position of social studies department chair for my school. I have learned how the curriculum aligns vertically and how to plan to support students across grade levels. I have been able to plan school-wide initiatives in this position and have enjoyed implementing strategies I learned while earning my degree. I plan in the future to move into administration and know that understanding how curriculum is written, including the hidden curriculum, will benefit me greatly.
What was a challenge you faced during your curriculum and instruction program, and who or what helped you overcome it?
Writing research papers at the undergraduate level does not compare to writing at the graduate level, especially when you are responsible for completing the research and sharing your findings. Completing the research component of the degree was the most challenging academic requirement I have ever participated in. I gained confidence I could complete the task from my professor. Dr. Moak, in particular, was instrumental in my success. She explained the process systematically (even planning individual video meetings) and provided examples of excellent student work. Dr. Moak, along with other professors at Thomas University, are dedicated to helping students through the difficulties they face.
What was your biggest takeaway from your curriculum and instruction program?
I walked away from the curriculum and instruction program at Thomas University with the understanding that I was now able to impact students across the school building, not only in my classroom, by planning curriculum and encouraging other teachers to implement research-based strategies in the classroom. My degree gave me the knowledge and confidence to implement technology in the classroom that leads to higher student achievement, and I have improved my formative assessment practices.
What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the M.Ed. curriculum and instruction degree program at Thomas University?
Do not be afraid to take risks during your program. I disliked using technology in the classroom. I decided to use that fear and research the impact of technology on instruction to validate what I believed. I found that I was wrong.
The thing you must take advantage of, more than anything, is the knowledgeable staff. The professors are talented, caring, and desire success for you as a student. The program will provide you with opportunities to grow professionally and advance in your career.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Do not wait for the “perfect” time to complete your degree because the “perfect” time will never arrive. You deserve the opportunity to grow now. Your colleagues and students will benefit from you having earned this degree. You will not regret the decision.