I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Simultaneously, I was commissioned as an Army Officer for the Minnesota National Guard through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (Army ROTC Program). It was a unique path that combined my passion for teaching with a commitment to serving my country.
My teaching career began when I secured my first job as a first-grade teacher in Enterprise, Alabama. During this time, my husband attended flight school for the Army, and I also served temporarily with the Alabama National Guard while managing my teaching responsibilities. The ability to contribute both in the classroom and in the military allowed me to experience personal growth and make a meaningful impact in the classroom.
After Alabama, I moved to South Korea which was both an adventure and a challenge. My husband’s deployment led us to relocate, and I saw it as an opportunity to be closer to my parents with our seven-week-old daughter. Teaching first grade on the U.S. Army base to students of military service members was a rewarding experience as I was a military child myself and was teaching at the school I once attended. While in South Korea, I also served in the United States Army Reserves, further enriching my understanding of leadership and service.
We relocated to Wisconsin, where I continued my journey in education by teaching first grade at a local elementary school. Simultaneously, I completed my military career with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. The experiences I gained both inside and outside the classroom helped shape my teaching philosophy and approach to engaging with students.
Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?
I wanted to work in education because my experiences growing up in a military family and attending a high school on a U.S. Military installation in Seoul, South Korea, inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. During my time in Seoul, I had the opportunity to tutor English to local Korean students as a part-time job, and this experience ignited my interest in education. Additionally, having two aunts who are educators — one teaching in Northfield, Minnesota, and the other in Chandler, Arizona — also influenced my decision to pursue a career in teaching.
While I always knew I wanted to work in education, my passion for teaching has grown deeper as I’ve traveled and experienced teaching in various states and overseas. These diverse experiences have provided me with a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of how to make a positive impact on students from different backgrounds.
Overall, my desire to work in education stems from a genuine love for learning and a strong belief in the power of education to shape young minds, foster curiosity, and create a better future for individuals and society as a whole. I find great joy and fulfillment in helping students learn, grow, and develop relationships. I am excited to continue my journey as an educator, making a difference in the lives of my students.
Why did you choose CSP Global for your graduate degree?
I chose CSP Global for my graduate degree because of the increasing changes in the classroom environment and the growing challenges of meeting the academic needs of every child, particularly after the impact of COVID. I felt the need to enhance my skills in reaching and effectively teaching all students. The program provided an opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of effective teaching methods and empowered me to become a more skilled and responsive educator in the ever-evolving educational environment.
CSP Global’s M.A. Ed. in Differentiated Instruction program stood out to me as one of the few schools in the area offering such a unique program. Differentiated instruction aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming more proficient at tailoring my teaching approach to meet the diverse needs of each student in my classroom. The program’s focus on creating inclusive and individualized learning experiences resonated with my passion for education and my commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.
What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at CSP Global and how do you use them today?
As an educator, I now feel better equipped to cater to the individual learning styles of my students. Whether they are English Language Learners, students with neurodivergent needs, those who have experienced trauma, or those requiring more challenging and rigorous coursework, I have learned to create tailored learning experiences for each student. This approach has enabled me to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, ensuring that every child feels valued and empowered at school.
The course that focused on teaching students with mental health needs has proven to be especially valuable in my post-COVID teaching experience. The pandemic has impacted the mental health of many students, and the knowledge and strategies I acquired through this course have been instrumental in providing appropriate support and care for those students who may be struggling emotionally and psychologically.
Beyond the curriculum, being part of a small cohort that met weekly over the two-year program was a bonus. Listening to my peers’ experiences, passions, and shared dedication to becoming better educators profoundly impacted my growth throughout the program. The collaborative environment allowed us to exchange valuable insights, learn from each other’s teaching experiences, and challenge ourselves to continuously improve as educators.
How has your graduate degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?
My graduate degree has significantly impacted my teaching career, both in my current position and in shaping my goals for the future. Before pursuing the graduate program, I already knew that I wanted to enhance my ability to address the diverse needs present in the classroom. During the program, I had the opportunity to substitute teach for a year, engaging with students from Kindergarten through fifth grade and in different specialist areas. This experience, combined with the coursework, allowed me to step out of my comfort zone of primary grades and gain confidence in teaching upper elementary students. It was a pivotal experience that opened my mind to new possibilities in my teaching career.
I embraced the opportunity to teach fifth grade, where I could put my sharpened skills in differentiated instruction and meeting diverse needs to work. The graduate program played a crucial role in preparing me to excel in this new role and positively impact my students’ academic and personal growth.
Looking ahead, my graduate degree has also influenced my ambitions for the future. The experience and confidence I gained from teaching in different grade levels have now led me to take on the challenge of teaching middle school social studies. This is another step forward in my journey as an educator, and I am eager to bring my knowledge and skills to this new setting.
Finally, the program has sparked an interest in educational administration. While my primary focus remains on teaching and making a difference in the lives of my students, I am now considering the possibility of pursuing an administrative role in the future. With the foundational knowledge and leadership skills gained through my graduate degree and experiences in the military, I am excited to continue making a difference in the lives of students and exploring the potential of taking on leadership roles in education in the future.
What was a challenge you faced during your graduate program, and who or what helped you overcome it?
During my graduate program, one of the significant challenges I faced was juggling the responsibilities of being a working mother. Balancing my job, family, and school commitments was overwhelming at times, but it proved to be a rewarding journey in the end.
One of the biggest sources of support during this period was my family. As an airline pilot with a demanding schedule, my husband made a concerted effort to schedule his trips around my Thursday evening night classes. His understanding and willingness to accommodate my commitments were invaluable and allowed me to focus on my studies with greater peace of mind. My children also proved to be understanding and supportive throughout the program. They adapted to changes in our schedules and offered assistance whenever possible, allowing me to manage my time more effectively and complete the program successfully.
Additionally, my cohort played a crucial role in helping me overcome the challenges. The members of my small cohort were empathetic and supportive, providing a sense of community that proved vital during the demanding times of the program. Their willingness to listen, share experiences, and offer encouragement allowed us to lean on each other, creating a strong support network that helped us navigate the challenges of graduate studies together.
What was the biggest takeaway from your graduate program?
The biggest takeaway from my graduate program was the realization that, despite the challenges and demands in the education profession, there are passionate educators who are committed to continuously improving their expertise and making a positive impact on their students’ lives. Their commitment serves as hope and inspiration in a profession that plays a critical role in shaping the future of our society.
The program introduced me to a diverse group of educators who were eager to expand their knowledge and skills to create a more effective and inclusive learning environment. Despite the difficulties teachers face in the current educational landscape, their dedication to enhancing their teaching practices and supporting their students’ social-emotional and academic development was inspiring.
Being a teacher is not just a job; it is a calling driven by a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Despite the many obstacles that teachers face, their passion for education and their students motivates them to seek out relevant and innovative methods to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.
Witnessing the commitment of my fellow educators in the program reaffirmed my own belief in the transformative power of education. It highlighted the importance of continuous learning and professional development to ensure that we, as educators, are equipped to address the ever-changing needs of our students and adapt to the challenges of today’s educational landscape.
What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering a graduate degree program at CSP Global?
To prospective students considering a graduate degree program at CSP Global, my advice is simple: Do it! Pursuing a graduate degree challenges you to grow personally and professionally.
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” — Fred DeVito
All of our professors were exceptional. Each brought a unique perspective. You will also make bonus friends. The collaborative environment of like-minded educators who share your passion for teaching will enrich your experience and provide you with a broader perspective on education.