M.Ed. in C&I – Literacy Studies Candidate
UTA Mavericks who choose to pursue College of Education degrees, certifications, or certificates are a diverse group of students. In our "U at UTA” series, we are featuring their stories.
What is your program?
I’m pursuing the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies and will take the Reading Specialist certification as part of my program.
Why did you choose UTA for your M.Ed.?
Having worked here in Arlington I.S.D. for most of my educational career, I have worked with many teachers who have chosen UTA for their master’s degrees, and all of them had nothing but great things to say about their experience. Additionally, when I was investigating if the program was for me, everyone I communicated with was so friendly and welcoming; they made me feel like this was the right place for me.
What do you love most about the program so far?
I have really enjoyed my courses. Sure, they have challenged me and been a lot of work, but the things I am learning have been directly applicable to what I’m doing as an educator now and to what I plan to do at the completion of my program.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve learned something and thought, “I wish I knew this when I first started teaching,” which assures me that I’m becoming a more well-rounded literacy educator because of this program.
How will this degree help you in your goal of becoming a dyslexia specialist?
The things I am learning have been directly applicable to what I hope to do. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to spend time researching dyslexia as part of my coursework and have been able to learn about research-based tools and strategies to use with my students.
Have you been able to incorporate anything you’ve learned at UTA into your own classroom?
Many of the things I’ve learned as part of my coursework have been immediately incorporated into my work with my students. As an interventionist, I work with all elementary grade levels, and many of my students are English Language Learners. In Practicum 2, I’ve been learning a great deal about the process of language acquisition and sheltered instruction that I have been able to incorporate into my daily lessons with my students.
What has been your experience as an online student? How do you balance work, life, and school as a full-time teacher?
I have learned quickly to become very organized. My calendar and task manager app are my best friends. I spend time planning in advance each week so that I can finish projects on time or early and avoid the last-minute rush (most of the time). That planning also helps me to balance my coursework with my full-time job and my family.
Are you able to connect with other UTA students?
It has been a bit of a challenge connecting with other students as an online student, but our instructors build in activities like discussion posts that allow you to get to know your fellow students and have a little interaction that way.
As an adult working (i.e., older…ha ha ha) student, I would love to see the university do more to include non-traditional students in on-campus activities like seminars or speakers. They tend to always happen during the day while we are at work. I really feel that students like myself have something to offer in the way of experience to younger undergrad pre-service teachers.
How did you fall in love with education? What is your “why”?
I became an educator as I had a pretty negative home life as a child. It was honestly only because of several wonderful caring teachers that I didn't give up and take a negative path myself. I'm in my 11th year in education, and I love what I do. I'm currently a reading interventionist and am pursuing the accelerated online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies at UTA. I plan to become a dyslexia specialist as I truly love helping struggling readers realize their potential. I couldn't see myself anywhere other than education, and I love the challenges and opportunities I'm taking part in as part of my UTA journey.
I love working with the kids and seeing their confidence grow as they make progress. I also enjoy working with and coaching teachers and helping them find new ways to help their students. The students and teachers I work with appreciate what I do for them, and that’s what keeps me going on a hard day. I know I could make more money in the corporate world, but as an educator, I’m making a difference in people's lives, and for me, that is more fulfilling.
Any words of wisdom for others considering a UTA degree?
Just get started. I know it is daunting and scary at first, but the professors really do all they can to support you. Graduate advising gives you a detailed course map of your plan, so you always know where you stand, and it is exciting to be able to check off those courses as you complete them and see the progress you are making.
What is your program?
I’m pursuing the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies and will take the Reading Specialist certification as part of my program.
Why did you choose UTA for your M.Ed.?
Having worked here in Arlington I.S.D. for most of my educational career, I have worked with many teachers who have chosen UTA for their master’s degrees, and all of them had nothing but great things to say about their experience. Additionally, when I was investigating if the program was for me, everyone I communicated with was so friendly and welcoming; they made me feel like this was the right place for me.
What do you love most about the program so far?
I have really enjoyed my courses. Sure, they have challenged me and been a lot of work, but the things I am learning have been directly applicable to what I’m doing as an educator now and to what I plan to do at the completion of my program.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve learned something and thought, “I wish I knew this when I first started teaching,” which assures me that I’m becoming a more well-rounded literacy educator because of this program.
How will this degree help you in your goal of becoming a dyslexia specialist?
The things I am learning have been directly applicable to what I hope to do. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to spend time researching dyslexia as part of my coursework and have been able to learn about research-based tools and strategies to use with my students.
Have you been able to incorporate anything you’ve learned at UTA into your own classroom?
Many of the things I’ve learned as part of my coursework have been immediately incorporated into my work with my students. As an interventionist, I work with all elementary grade levels, and many of my students are English Language Learners. In Practicum 2, I’ve been learning a great deal about the process of language acquisition and sheltered instruction that I have been able to incorporate into my daily lessons with my students.
What has been your experience as an online student? How do you balance work, life, and school as a full-time teacher?
I have learned quickly to become very organized. My calendar and task manager app are my best friends. I spend time planning in advance each week so that I can finish projects on time or early and avoid the last-minute rush (most of the time). That planning also helps me to balance my coursework with my full-time job and my family.
Are you able to connect with other UTA students?
It has been a bit of a challenge connecting with other students as an online student, but our instructors build in activities like discussion posts that allow you to get to know your fellow students and have a little interaction that way.
As an adult working (i.e., older…ha ha ha) student, I would love to see the university do more to include non-traditional students in on-campus activities like seminars or speakers. They tend to always happen during the day while we are at work. I really feel that students like myself have something to offer in the way of experience to younger undergrad pre-service teachers.
How did you fall in love with education? What is your “why”?
I became an educator as I had a pretty negative home life as a child. It was honestly only because of several wonderful caring teachers that I didn't give up and take a negative path myself. I'm in my 11th year in education, and I love what I do. I'm currently a reading interventionist and am pursuing the accelerated online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies at UTA. I plan to become a dyslexia specialist as I truly love helping struggling readers realize their potential. I couldn't see myself anywhere other than education, and I love the challenges and opportunities I'm taking part in as part of my UTA journey.
I love working with the kids and seeing their confidence grow as they make progress. I also enjoy working with and coaching teachers and helping them find new ways to help their students. The students and teachers I work with appreciate what I do for them, and that’s what keeps me going on a hard day. I know I could make more money in the corporate world, but as an educator, I’m making a difference in people's lives, and for me, that is more fulfilling.
Any words of wisdom for others considering a UTA degree?
Just get started. I know it is daunting and scary at first, but the professors really do all they can to support you. Graduate advising gives you a detailed course map of your plan, so you always know where you stand, and it is exciting to be able to check off those courses as you complete them and see the progress you are making.