Shawn Strout
Mavericks who enroll in the College of Education are a diverse group of students. In this story, we feature Shawn Strout, a student enrolled in one of our master’s degree programs. Responses have been lightly edited.
Why did you choose UTA for your M.Ed.? Why Mind, Brain, and Education in particular?
I discovered UTA's M.Ed. degree while researching programs in Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE). MBE interests me due to its interdisciplinary nature. I am excited to learn more about how neuroscience, brain science, cognitive psychology, and learning studies contribute to better teacher pedagogical skills and student learning outcomes. UTA's fully online program opened the door as I could not relocate to Texas, and its affordable tuition also made it possible for me.
What are your ultimate professional goals, and how do you think this degree with assist?
I have short-term and long-term goals. My short-term goal is to improve my own pedagogical skills. I teach in higher education and received minimal pedagogical training in my doctoral work. I want to move away from the "sage on the stage" model to models that engage student learning more fully. My long-term goal is to train other teachers in my field. I intend to offer training for my colleagues here at my seminary but also may expand into educational consulting in theological education.
Are you currently in education? If so, what is your role/where do you work?
I am Assistant Professor of Worship and Associate Dean of Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. We are an Episcopal seminary that trains people for lay and ordained leadership in the Episcopal Church and other Christian churches.
Anything else you want to add?
So far, I have been extremely impressed with the responsiveness and care that the staff and faculty have conveyed to me as I explored and then applied to this degree.
I discovered UTA through a Google search for Mind, Brain, and Learning programs, which brought me to your website. I found your website very clear and helpful. You provide an abundance of detailed information, including your recordings of information sessions, which answered nearly all my questions.
I want to especially give a "shout out" to Brent Wigen. I felt like he went above and beyond. I had called his office initially and received his voicemail. In less than 10 minutes as I was composing an email to him, he called me back without knowing who I was. He spent about 20 minutes spontaneously answering my questions. I had an unusual issue with my bachelor's degree, and he worked hard to get me the answers as best he could to assist me. In such a large academic institution, it would be so easy for people to take the bureaucratic route, but Brent and the College of Education Accelerated Online Program admissions staff went out of their way to be responsive and timely. As someone who works in higher education, I was impressed!