What programs do you teach at Thomas University? What drew you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?
I teach in the educational leadership programs at Thomas University. I am honored to impart knowledge and skills to aspiring school and district leaders. The Educational Leadership program offers:
- Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Tier ll Certification)
- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Tier I Certification)
- Certificate in Educational Leadership Tier I Certification-Only
The courses in the educational leadership program promotes rigor, relevance, and high student engagement. As an Assistant Professor and Program Director for Educational Leadership, I help educational leadership candidates build capacity in their educational journey.
Initially, I was drawn to the education field through a desire to help others learn and grow. As my career in education evolved, I realized how essential leadership is for school success. That passion for leadership turned into guiding, assisting, and collaborating with others to become the best versions of themselves as school leaders.
“If you learn something new every day, you can teach something new every day!” —Martha Stewart
In school leadership, there’s always something new to learn and teach! Who wouldn’t be excited about new adventures daily? It’s rewarding to know you make a difference in the lives of others.
What attracted you to teach at Thomas University? What sets them apart?
Before teaching at Thomas University, I had the opportunity to mentor and support colleagues participating in Thomas University education degree programs. I was always impressed with the meaningful learning tasks that were a part of the coursework. Evidently, learning at Thomas University provided positive growth opportunities for the learner and the school community.
Thomas University promotes lifelong learning for educators and those desiring to become a part of the education field. All programs are designed to create a learning experience relevant to the learner’s needs.
The Thomas University Division of Education offers an innovative hybrid approach to learning. The format is presented in eight-week terms where participants engage in coursework synchronously bi-weekly with professors and peers, while participating in online independent learning activities on other weeks. This model provides flexibility, allowing more content to be learned within a semester.
Many of the teaching faculty in the Division of Education are or have been practitioners in the field of education. The wealth of knowledge and experience that each professor brings is outstanding! They can leverage best practices and content to equip students for success as educators.
What is your professional background as an educator?
I have over 30 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and university professor. I have served as a mentor for aspiring school administrators. I have presented at various leadership training and conferences, most recently in Chengdu, China, to present about Social and Emotional Learning and PBIS to educators.
My degrees include the following:
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education — Florida A & M University
- Master of Science in Instructional Technology — Georgia State University
- Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership — University of West Georgia
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership — Clark Atlanta University
Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?
I was destined to be an educator. From my early childhood days, I often convinced friends to play school. I was fortunate to have teachers along the way that inspired me through the ways they “magically” helped me to feel successful as a student. I knew I wanted to use this “magic” to help others succeed in their learning journeys. My love for school eventually led to the most amazing career!
What would you tell prospective students considering your program about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?
I would tell prospective students that there is an expectation of achievement in the educational leadership program. I am passionate about how aspiring leaders can utilize the tools of the trade to impact student achievement in school communities. I lead by example. I like to learn with and from those whom I am tasked to educate. As an Assistant Professor, I am committed to providing learning opportunities that lead to successful outcomes. I encourage students to engage in learning experiences embedded within the curriculum. I hope students will leverage the experience to become exceptional school leaders.
What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their educational leadership degree? How can people stand out in this field?
Thomas University educational leadership programs offer best practices for participants to grow their leadership capacity. The framework is designed to be systemic, inclusive, and comprehensive to meet the requirements of becoming an effective leader in Georgia. The focus is to meet the learner’s needs through theory of practice and job-embedded leadership learning tasks.
My advice to those interested in pursuing an educational leadership degree is to be open to the challenge of change. The learning opportunities at Thomas University foster change and development. It will be up to the aspiring leader to use the knowledge and skills gained. As leaders, they will have the dispositions needed to create thriving learning environments.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” — John C. Maxwell
The accurate measure of a successful leader is the preparation and commitment to continuous quality improvement. Thomas University educational leadership programs cultivate leaders ready to impact school communities positively.