As an educator who has utilized her licensure to lead a school building and inspire children to love learning and use what they learned outside of the classroom, we asked Cathryn to tell us about her time pursuing her master’s degree at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago.

Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

When I began my education career twenty-six years ago, my goal was to inspire children to love school and ignite their passions, creativity, and curiosity. As a student, I had several teachers along the way that differentiated instruction for my classmates and me (though at the time, I didn’t know that’s what they were doing).

Several of my classmates and I worked on independent projects and were permitted to develop how we shared our learning. As I got older, those opportunities did not present themselves as often, but I never forgot how excited I was to learn about my chosen topics and ideas. I was fortunate enough to begin my teaching career in the same building where I grew up and many of my former teachers were still teaching.

They became mentors for me in their ways, and I took “the best” of their talents to combine them with my own ideas to begin working with children. I hope that the students in my classroom began to love learning and have continued that beyond the walls of my classroom!

Why did you choose OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for your Superintendent Licensure?

As a board member for OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for years, I knew many colleagues who had attended Concordia’s many different programs. When I decided to pursue my Superintendent License, I investigated many options. Still, it was the flexibility of OAESA’s program as well as the program cost that solidified my decision. I found the enrollment, registration, and actual courses accessible and manageable, even in the midst of 2020 when the pandemic first began!

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago and how do they benefit you in today’s educational climate?

It was incredibly beneficial to engage with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and share experiences. Additionally, the program allowed me to gather ideas for utilization in my own experience as a current administrator. The superintendent licensure program provided me with a wider lens of district operations, functions, and board relations. Engaging in a mentorship also provided me with a deeper understanding of many concepts that helped me review and provide feedback regarding human resources and district policies and procedures.

How has your Superintendent Licensure impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

The superintendent licensure has provided me with more context for understanding district-level decisions. It has also provided me with the flexibility to pursue other opportunities as they arise for the next phase of my career.

What was a challenge you faced during your Superintendent Licensure program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

I began my coursework in January 2020. One of the biggest challenges was the pandemic. Like so many others, the entire way we had to navigate teaching and learning pivoted in a way that none of us had ever experienced. As a building principal, this changed how I managed and supported my staff and students.

This was one of the blessings of selecting OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for my coursework. Being entirely online already allowed me to have the flexibility I needed to face the challenges of being a principal during a pandemic. Another challenge was the final phase of my program, which included the internship. I will say the faculty and site supervisor were incredibly supportive and assisted in ensuring that every facet of my internship was successful.

What was the biggest takeaway from your Superintendent Licensure program?

The Superintendent Licensure gave me a greater appreciation for the role of superintendents. While the job of a building principal is incredibly complex, the role of a superintendent also includes navigating and managing board relations, community engagement, and a deep level of understanding district finances. I feel my program allowed me to gain these skills and more.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the Superintendent Licensure program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago?

Talk to the university graduates; I guarantee they will tell you the program is comprehensive and robust while also being flexible, affordable, and manageable.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Regardless of your future plans, I would encourage all current building principals to join OAESA and complete a Superintendent Licensure program. OAESA will connect you with colleagues across the state and provide state and national updates that impact how we perform our jobs. The university also connects us with professional learning opportunities to continue to grow as professionals, like the licensure program.

Finally, pursuing the Superintendent Licensure will provide insight and needed perspective regarding understanding the other departments and their functions within the school district and will bring clarity to the decision-making process at the district level. I’m grateful to OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for the rich experience provided!

The post Alumni Spotlight: Cathryn Petticrew-Rice, Superintendent Licensure Only Program appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

My grandma was a teacher, so I always listened to her stories growing up. Her students often visited her and sent her mail, and I really wanted to be that kind of teacher. I’ve always had the desire to help people and make their lives better, and I felt working with children I could do exactly that.

Why did you choose OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for your School Leadership degree?

I heard from a friend how great the program was and how helpful the professors were. I wanted to learn from people I knew could make me a better person and teacher, and in talking with the staff involved, I knew this was the place.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, and how do they benefit you in today’s educational climate?

I loved all of the experiences I was able to learn from both my professors and classmates. There is no better teacher than experience, and having those conversations really helped open ideas for me as an educator. Simple things like thinking outside the box with a lesson or not being afraid to take on a leadership role made me better.

How has your School Leadership degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

My dream has always been to be a principal. I love teaching and working with the kiddos every day, but I felt becoming a principal would allow me to do more for my families in the grand scheme of things. My husband is waiting on orders, so we will be moving soon, but I am hoping to utilize my degree at our next location to improve education for the district we are in.

What was a challenge you faced during your School Leadership degree program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

Life hit me hard during this program. One of my students I was very close to had passed away, and then I decided to move across the country to be with my husband. A lot of trauma and changes were experienced in a short time, but the professors did not let me give up. They talked with me and gave me the grace to do what I needed to do. Dr. Hornberger was my saving grace; even with my move, she allowed me to finish the program because she believed in me, and I will forever be grateful for that.

What was the biggest takeaway from your School Leadership degree program?

Put the kids and their families first. Rules matter, protocol matters, professionalism matters, but at the end of the day, we need to use our education and experiences to do what is best for our kiddos.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the School Leadership program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago?

Take the leap of faith! Do not let things like money and time stop you from furthering your education. It is the greatest tool we can use to change the future.

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

Just that I am so grateful to have completed a program with the kindest professors who taught me so much about life and being a leader. I am so glad I took the leap of faith and signed on for the program. It’s truly helped me be better.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Courtney Angelo Pantone, M.A. School Leadership with Principal Licensure Program appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

I am a Graduate Program Specialist (GPS) responsible for providing comprehensive advising services to graduate students enrolled in Concordia University Chicago’s graduate programs. I work specifically with Ohio educators, monitoring student progress from enrollment to registration to program completion. I am in regular contact with students regarding admission, registration, financial aid, textbook purchasing, and IT services. I send reminders regarding critical deadlines, monitor student progress toward a degree, and assist students in obtaining transfer credits when necessary. I keep track of academic course requirements for each student, and I also work as a liaison between our students and their instructors, the registrar’s office, financial aid, and student services. 

Tell us a little about yourself. What would you tell prospective students considering your program about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I am a graduate of Ohio University and have been working with educators for over 20 years. I joined SAIL for Education and Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) in the fall of 2006. I believe I have a servant’s heart and take great satisfaction in helping our students successfully navigate their online learning experience. I value good customer service and am student-centered. I am accessible to all of our students and will help answer questions no matter how big or small.

I live in the Central Ohio area and two of my five children still attend high school in the South-Western City School district. While working at OAESA, I came to know many Ohio educators and am happy to assist them with their goal of attaining licensure or a graduate degree.

How will you assist your students as they better prepare/equip themselves for the current climate we are in, specifically with COVID-19 and the move to online/hybrid learning?

The OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago program was designed to be a remote learning program from its inception. We have been offering online coursework for over 10 years. I am here to support our students as they navigate their coursework while confronting professional and personal barriers. I check in through email with all students on a regular basis, but also provide support and encouragement with phone calls. The students get to know that I am easy to work with and will help them to set new course timelines if needed. I can give them options to consider for new schedules and reassure them of what they need for program completion.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their graduate degree? How can people stand out in this field?

Before pursuing a graduate degree, educators should be clear on their future career goals. We offer several leadership programs that include endorsement or licensure. Knowing what future position you would like to attain will help determine which program to pursue. Attaining a graduate degree, especially online, takes commitment. Students who excel are the ones who dedicate their time to the readings, discussion boards, and regular online check-ins.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

There are many universities with great graduate programs, however, what sets us apart is our customer service. I will stay committed and connected to my students from entrance to graduation. This is why a OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago program is the best. I would love to discuss any of our programs and I can be reached at 614-557-9209 or through email at butsko@oaesa.org.

Start your next educational journey and explore the available programs at OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago.

The post Faculty Spotlight: Melissa Butsko, Graduate Program Specialist appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Throughout my undergrad career, I had professors that weren’t engaged or seemingly committed to my growth as an educator. I remember feeling discouraged, unsupported, and alone in the process. When applying to the program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I was anxious my experience would be similar, especially because of the added layer of a digital platform; however, I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Anytime I had a question or needed to email one of my professors, they consistently replied within 24 hours. Whether I needed clarity on an assignment or asked their opinion on how they would handle a certain challenge in the school setting, they were always gracious and more than willing to help me grow as an educational leader. Additionally, I reached out to a few professors after I had completed their course when the content I had learned in their class was resurfacing in a different course. Their willingness and passion for good, strong leadership was evident and contagious.

As I progress through my career in education, I will take with me the importance of accessibility when responding to faculty, staff, families, and students. This was beautifully modeled by my professors at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago and made me feel valued, which is something all leaders should emulate to those on their teams.

Flexible Format

While researching graduate programs, one priority for me was not having to login at a specific time each week. Balancing a full-time career while wanting the flexibility of when I completed school work was critical in choosing which program would be best for my schedule – and the program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago made this attainable!

Because there are no set login times, I could look at my calendars (work, personal, and graduate school) to determine which blocks of time were most convenient for me in order to complete assignments. Even when I had a new course starting but hadn’t seen the syllabus yet, I always knew what to expect since every class is structured similarly. I found this to be a huge benefit in having the program work for me rather than me having to navigate around the program with set logins each week.

Additionally, there was flexibility when I took each course. As expected, there were some courses that had prerequisites, but for many of them I was able to choose when I wanted to take each one.

This helped with planning my work and personal schedules as well. For example, if I knew I would need to spend extra time learning concepts within a course, I tried to schedule that course in the summer in order to apply the time needed to learn the information. This flexibility is another reason why getting your master’s degree with the program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago is attainable while being a full-time educator.

Cohort Meetings

Throughout the program, I had many classes with the members of my cohort where we were able to communicate through the online platform. In these conversations we felt and demonstrated empathy toward one another while also professionally challenging each other to be the best leaders we could be.

Although our discussions were rich and engaging, the added layer of meeting in person provided authentic growth opportunities. During the second year of the program, we met once every 6-8 weeks. Within the structure of these meetings we were able to engage in dialogue with our colleagues who understood exactly what we were going through, learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, and, most importantly, develop relationships with educators across central Ohio.

My cohort advisor structured these meetings almost like a family gathering. We sat around the table and had snacks and treats while learning from each other’s pedagogical approaches. We were able to share success stories, celebrate growth, discuss challenges, and support one another. I appreciated the opportunity to engage with my peers that I had built a relationship with online through these authentic conversations in person.

Manageable Class Schedule

As a full-time educator, balancing work, home, and school seemed overwhelming. The program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago offered a flexible and manageable class schedule. During the school year, I took one course at a time to maintain focus on my students and my family without overstretching my limits. However, because I had summers off, I was able to successfully manage two courses at a time. The flexibility in course offerings allowed me to create the schedule that worked best for me. Additionally, by taking extra courses in the summer, I was able to complete the entire program in 18 months!

Ready to start the next chapter of your educational journey? Explore our available programs here and enroll today!

The post How OAESA with Concordia University Chicago Made my Master’s Program Convenient for a Full-Time Teacher appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Through my role as chair of the partnership between OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I oversee all leadership programs that are offered in Ohio. This includes teacher leadership offered as an endorsement only or as an endorsement embedded within a master’s or doctoral degree.

Our programs also include Ohio principal licensure as a stand-alone program or embedded within a master’s or doctoral degree, and Ohio superintendent licensure as a stand-alone program or embedded in a doctoral degree. Furthermore, we offer programs for Ohio educators who want to advance their knowledge base in a specific specialty area such as differentiated instruction.

How will your program better prepare/equip educators for the current climate, specifically with COVID-19 and the move to online/hybrid learning?

Since 2007, OAESA has been a pioneer in online learning formats for educators, and CUC has also been on the cutting edge as a brick and mortar institution offering innovative online degree options to educators. OAESA’s online learning opportunities have positively impacted educator professional learning for many years, thereby also having a positive influence on innovative approaches to online learning throughout the state.

As our educators engage in highly effective online learning strategies and platforms, they can apply this learning to their classrooms and school buildings. During these uncertain times, when learning platforms and strategies change quickly, our educators have a deep understanding of how to teach and lead effectively, whether virtually, hybrid, or in face-to-face formats.

Why did you decide to become a faculty member for OAESA with Concordia University Chicago? What sets this program apart from others?

The partnership between OAESA with Concordia University Chicago merges OAESA’s deep knowledge base of effective leadership practices with high quality and rigorous, yet flexible, graduate licensure and degree programs that are grounded in state and national standards.

As an Ohio principal, I was already a member of OAESA, and I found their support of administrators to be critical to my success as a principal. As I completed the Ph.D. program through the partnership, I came to realize just how much the program contributed to my knowledge base and effectiveness as a building leader.

When the opportunity arose to join the faculty of CUC and to chair this unique partnership, I was thrilled! I knew that, through this role, I would be able to expand my reach by having a positive impact on education and leadership practices throughout our state and beyond. This program is truly unique in that it connects our students to practitioners in the field and engages them with their professional organization (OAESA).

What is your professional background (including degrees) as an educator? 

I completed my bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Ohio University and taught fifth grade in the Pickerington Local School District for 16 years. During that time, I completed my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. As I continued to refine my professional practices and engage in various teacher leadership roles, building and district leaders began approaching me suggesting that I pursue an advanced degree and obtain principal licensure.

I found the OAESA and SAIL for Education in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago partnership and enrolled in the Ph.D. School Leadership degree program with Ohio principal licensure embedded. The principal licensure coursework was front-loaded, so I completed that licensure first. I then began serving as an elementary principal in a K-4 building while also completing the remainder of my doctoral program.

Tell us a little about yourself. Why did you become interested in education?

I always knew I wanted to be an educator. My mother was a teacher and my father served the public as a county health commissioner. They taught me from a very young age that our lives are made more meaningful by serving others. This commitment to service is woven into the fabric of who I am as an educator. I started my career as a fifth-grade teacher and progressed to serving as an elementary principal prior to moving into higher education.

I learned very quickly that students wouldn’t learn from me unless they were certain that I cared for them and believed in their abilities. I was a champion for my students in the classroom and while serving as a principal, and I continue to champion the students who I serve today at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago.

What would you tell prospective students about yourself? What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I want prospective students to know that I am dedicated to ensuring that our programs provide exceptional preparation for school and district-level leadership. I live out my commitment to serving the students and educators of Ohio through my work with the partnership. Further, all faculty and staff at Concordia University Chicago commit themselves to all aspects of service to students, from the time students enter the program to graduation and beyond.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their graduate education degree? How can people stand out in this field? 

Educators who are considering the pursuit of an advanced degree must evaluate their future career goals and plan accordingly. Engaging in discussions with colleagues and fellow educators can help to clarify personal strengths and potential future goals.

For example, Ohio principal licensure opens doors to diverse administrative positions, and this can vary from district to district. Positions for which districts may require principal licensure include special education coordinators, technology specialists, or instructional coaches. I recommend that educators find out more about what is required in their specific district as they choose a program that will help them to attain future career goals.

In terms of standing out in the field, it is important for aspiring leaders to take on additional leadership roles and opportunities when they become available. Getting involved within the school, district, and community at large helps aspiring leaders to become known and begin creating a professional reputation for themselves. Also, getting involved in OAESA with Concordia University Chicago is a great way to deepen involvement both at the local level and statewide.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I strive to make myself available to answer questions that potential and current students may have at any time. If you would like to discuss your career goals and how one of our OAESA with Concordia University Chicago programs might be beneficial for you, please reach out at any time. I can be reached at 614-557-9209 or through email at rebecca.hornberger@cuchicago.edu. Thank you for all you do to serve Ohio’s most valuable resource – our students!

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rebecca Hornberger, Interim Associate Dean, College of Education, Department Chair OAESA with Concordia University Chicago appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

I don’t really have a great story that led me to being an educator. I couldn’t decide on a major, and a nun at Ohio Dominican suggested education to me and that’s what I did. Since, I have realized how much of an impact that a good or bad teacher can have on a student’s success or failure and on the rest of their life.

Why did you choose OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago for your Leadership Doctorate – Educational Leadership?

I started my work on my doctoral degree at another university. I originally stared my work towards a Ph.D. After taking many classes, I was told I would have to take sabbatical leave to finish. Due to my situation at home being a single parent of four children, I was financially unable to take sabbatical leave. I found out about the program with OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago. After contacting Concordia University, I realized I could transfer some of my credits and complete my degree online. They also explained the difference in the Ed.D. and Ph.D. My desire is to stay in the K-12 schools as a school leader and use my education in a practical setting. Therefore, I decided to pursue my education to get an Ed.D.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago and how do you use them today?

Taking classes at OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago gave me a larger skill set. I not only had to learn the content and more computer skills, but also how to navigate online courses. I had to work at setting up a schedule and having good time management. All of this has helped me in my job as a school principal, but the most important thing I learned was how personal and engaging online classes can actually be. I always felt that you would not learn as much or get as much help taking online classes. I had personalized help throughout my program. Many of the professors were even willing to call me on the phone to help me with assignments. Now that I currently teach online classes, I have used the skill of personalizing classes in my work.

How has your doctoral degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?  

Currently I am a middle school principal and I also teach online classes for Concordia. Having a doctoral degree opened up many new opportunities in my school district for me and it allowed me to become an adjunct professor for Concordia. It has given me the ability to start looking into superintendent jobs because many require you have a doctoral degree. The knowledge I gained during my studies gave me a whole new perspective on leadership. It helped better prepare me for the challenges and give me the ability to make decisions based on research. 

What was a challenge you faced during your educational leadership doctorate program, and who or what helped you overcome it?  

The biggest challenge I faced was trying to figure out how to narrow down my topic for my dissertation and then actually go through the process. The whole process is very lengthy and challenging. It is a marathon not a sprint. I got a lot of help from my dissertation committee. Every step of the way working through my dissertation, I had a wonderful committee who gave me a lot of feedback. They were always there to answer any of my questions and encourage me when I was frustrated. I would like to take this time to really thank Dr. Sims, Dr. Safer, and Dr. Tagaris.

What was the biggest takeaway from your doctoral program?

My biggest take away from my doctoral program was really learning how to research something and defend it. I learned how important it was to do thorough research and provide complete evidence to defend your opinion about something. Many times, I submitted chapters that came back to me with many questions where I did not provide enough evidence or research. I learned how to really pay attention to details and provide documentation. Now when I am asking for something for my building or I am trying to convince senior leadership of something, I am fully prepared. I have found many times I am overly prepared and usually receive compliments on how prepared and thorough I am.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the Leadership Doctorate – Educational Leadership degree program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago?

If you are interested in working on an Ed.D. program, I think the best place to do the work is through OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago. As I said before, I started my doctoral degree at another university in face-to-face classes. It was very difficult to work a full-time job and raise kids as a single mother. I struggled to get babysitters and to complete classwork. When I started with OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago, it was much easier for me to schedule time to study and complete the process online.

I worried the program would not be as rigorous and would be very hard to complete since I did not have face-to-face interaction. I was concerned about how I would get the help and support I needed through a computer. I quickly found out that it is very personalized and you have all of the support you need. Everyone is very friendly, easy to get in contact with, and they always respond quickly to questions. Many of my professors did phone calls to help me through questions and assignments. I felt like my dissertation committee really cared about my success and they were there to do whatever they could do to help me succeed.

Everyone was very positive and encouraging. They understand that most of us are working, have families, and life happens. They do everything they can to work with you and your schedule. They really provided me with courses that have helped me to be successful at my job and related to my work. I found myself using what I was learning at work at the same time I was learning it. The curriculum is very practical and practice based.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Joyce Albright, Leadership Doctorate – Educational Leadership appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

What does the program encompass?

The Ohio Principal Licensure program at CUC is offered through a partnership between the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) and CUC. This unique partnership merges OAESA’s deep knowledge base of effective leadership practices with a high quality and rigorous, yet flexible, graduate licensure and degree program that is grounded in state and national standards.

OAESA envisions effective, empowered, and passionate educators leading Ohio schools. They live out their purpose to champion and engage administrators throughout their careers. Under the guidance of Dr. Julie Davis, OAESA and CUC offer multiple leadership program options that are precisely tailored to the unique needs of Ohio’s leaders. Since 2007, Dr. Davis and OAESA have pioneered online learning formats for educators. Since its inception, these professional learning opportunities have impacted thousands of educators throughout the nation.

The CUC Master’s in School Leadership with Ohio Principal Licensure program leads the state in student enrollment, and that is not surprising given the solid reputation that this program has earned by producing new leaders that are ready to successfully step into the role of building leader. Districts and schools know that graduates of our program possess the critical skills and attributes for successful school leadership. Specifically, this program empowers educators to:

• Promote the success of all students through developing and implementing a shared vision of learning and programs that support this learning;
• Develop skills in management of the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment;
• Collaborate with staff, boards, students, families and community members in response to diverse educational and community interests and needs while mobilizing community resources;
• Demonstrate integrity, fairness and ethical behavior to aid in the development of a caring and moral school community; and
• Understand and respond to the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts.

The Master of Arts in School Leadership with Ohio Principal Licensure program is designed for active teachers who are aspiring leaders and are interested in becoming a principal or pursuing positions in education that require principal licensure in school districts. Typically, positions requiring principal licensure might include, but are not limited to, curriculum director, special education coordinator, technology specialist and more, dependent upon district-level requirements.

This program includes a rigorous year-long internship as the capstone experience. Serving as principal interns, our students complete comprehensive clinical experiences and engage in authentic leadership projects that are aligned with their school’s focus on the improvement of student achievement. Graduates of our program have the skills, knowledge, attributes and confidence to excel in school leadership positions. Further, through the internship, they have gained invaluable exposure within their districts, and district-level leaders are able to clearly see their leadership capacity due to the unique experiences that are embedded within the internship.

Why should a prospective student choose this program?

While rigorous, the program is also flexible. We assure that our tuition rates are amongst the lowest in the state, as we recognize that busy educators should not have to spend excessive time comparing tuition costs for licensure and degree programs. For those educators who already possess a master’s degree, the Ohio Principal Licensure is also offered as a licensure only option.

This program is offered entirely online, as CUC extends their prestigious 150-year history as a brick-and-mortar institution into the digital world. Due to the online delivery model, students can log on and complete coursework at times that work best for their schedules. We honor the fact that our students are busy professionals whose number one priority is the students and schools they serve; thus, we provide ample support to our students and individualize their experience in order to maximize their professional growth.

I strive to make myself available to answer questions that potential and current students may have at any time. If you would like to discuss your career goals and how this program might be beneficial for you, please reach out at any time. I can be reached at 614-557-9209 or through email at rebecca.hornberger@cuchicago.edu. Thank you for all you do to serve Ohio’s most valuable resource – our students!

The post All About OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s School Leadership with Ohio Principal Licensure Program appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Amber shares her story about pursing her master’s degree at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago.

Tell us your background and education career history.

I started out teaching in a daycare while finishing up my undergraduate degree. After  graduating, I began my official teaching career at a charter school. I taught third grade there for three and a half years, serving as grade- level team leader for most of those years.

I moved to Columbus City Schools and taught a year of kindergarten, and then I joined the Lions at Livingston Elementary to teach second grade (one year) and third grade (three years). I ended up taking on more leadership roles by being in charge of my team’s teacher-based data team meetings and the after-school program. This year, my ninth year of teaching, I will teach third grade.

How did the OAESA with Concordia University Chicago program become part of your story?

During my second year as a teacher, I saw a letter in my school mail about a master’s program. Getting my master’s was on my checklist, especially since I thought it would be a requirement for teachers in the future.

Since there was a great opportunity with the master’s program at Concordia, I decided to enroll. I ended up doing really well in the program and learned a lot. About three years later, I received a lot of emails about earning doctorate degrees from Concordia. I felt motivated to get my Ph.D., not only because I would be the first in my family to do so, but also because I remembered the great experience and support I had with my master’s program. I thought to myself, if I can earn a 4.0 with my master’s, maybe I could do the same with my doctorate degree. So I applied, took the test, and now I am toward the end of the program.

What appeals to you about leadership?

You know? It’s  a funny thing. If  I were  to tell myself  20 years ago that I would  be leading others, I would have laughed  or denied it because I was very shy. Since my junior year in high school, I was placed in leadership positions for sports, which ended up preparing me to be a leader in other areas of my life, including church.

Being a leader is a humbling experience. What appeals to me about leadership is the ability to help others in creative, fun, and effective ways. I love helping others, and acknowledging that gift has  allowed  me to make a huge impact on my peers and students. What I truly like about leadership is that I am learning about myself  while    I lead. I learn about the way I approach things, but also I am in a position where I can learn from others.

Has the OAESA with Concordia University Chicago program had an impact on your leadership capacity? If so, how?

Absolutely! The OAESA with Concordia University Chicago program has opened up opportunities for me to use my God- given gift. I appreciate and love the advisors and professors that have helped me during my master’s and doctorate experiences. The people that I speak with throughout this program are very helpful and responsive to my needs. I really like the guidance with the program. I trust those in charge to lead me on the right path so that I can succeed.

That type of leadership has also helped me develop a clear mindset and create a clear path for my own choices, whether it’s in my leadership role as a student or teacher.

What’s the end of your story? How do you see yourself leaving a mark on the world of education?

I feel like my story has just begun, and I am just starting to test the waters. Throughout this experience, I have been blessed to be in leadership positions at my job and be able to apply what I have learned in my current job. Being able to lead teachers with data and just helping them perfect their craft has been an amazing experience so far. So what does the road look like in the future? The end of my SAIL story would be me finishing school and earning a doctorate degree with honors. After that, I will continue to perfect my craft as a general  education  teacher.  Eventually, I would like to become a master teacher, using my degree to travel around the world as a teacher consultant or become a college professor to lead future teachers.

In the world of education, I want people to think of me as a great, energetic teacher leader who is a team player. I want to be known as someone who helps everyone  I interact with achieve their highest potential.

The post My journey through teacher leadership appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

I actually started my undergraduate degree in nursing school and pursued that for two years. During that time, I worked as a preschool teacher and babysat for a few families. As I learned more about the medical field, I realized my passion for shaping children and helping them meet educational milestones was increasingly burning brighter and brighter. At that time, I decided to shift gears professionally and align my future career with my heart. In doing so, I went from being a struggling C student in my nursing program to a 4.0 student in my early childhood education courses.

Why did you choose OAESA with Concordia University Chicago (CUC) for your M.A. degree in school leadership?

There were several reasons why I chose OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for my second master’s program. At the time I was making my decision, I had a colleague who had just finished the program and shared how wonderful his experience had been which led me to research more. I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in school leadership but hadn’t narrowed down the best option for me as a full-time educator. When looking at a variety of programs, many offered evening courses where I’d need to physically attend, online programs from different states that didn’t guarantee Ohio licensure at the completion of the program, or the requirement of being a full-time student which meant I’d have to leave my current job. Because OAESA partnered with Concordia University Chicago, I was able to be a full-time educator while having the flexibility of receiving an online degree without worrying if my license would be valid in the state of Ohio.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago and how do you use them today?

The program allowed several opportunities for me to meet with my advisor from Concordia University Chicago as well as my supervisor(s) at my current school. Within the context of these meetings and through regular dialogue with them, I was able to enhance and build a stronger foundation of skills. Knowing their time is valuable and limited, I learned how to make clear proposals for projects and tasks. I was able to pre-plan meeting agendas to effectively communicate progress, questions, or concerns. Within these conversations, I was encouraged to lead in new ways which included presenting professional development to faculty and staff, heading committees, and analyzing student data. Additionally, I had exposure to several different styles of leadership as I sat in a variety of meetings. This offered perspective on how leadership styles can impact the direction and responses from a team. I continue to use and build upon these skills to prioritize and structure my time and meetings with colleagues.

How has your master’s degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

Completing the school leadership program provided opportunities for leadership which consequently impacted my position for this school year. Through the exposure of organizing meetings, projects, and committees, my supervisors were able to observe skills that I previously did not have the opportunity to demonstrate. Because of this, I was promoted to oversee my department at the beginning of this school year!

Additionally, due to the nature of my job, I work with several local school districts. Many directors in the area knew that I was completing the program and have continued to share their interest in offering me a leadership position if one opens up in their school district.

What was a challenge you faced during your school leadership program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

By no fault of the program, the biggest challenge for me was navigating the difference between private and public educational settings. I work at a private school but all of the coursework in the program is geared toward public education. Because funding and curriculum look different in each setting, I was able to reach out to other directors in the community that work in public schools. Engaging in these conversations allowed me to partner and learn from other leaders in my community to increase my understanding of public education as well as build professional relationships that may not have occurred otherwise.

What was the biggest takeaway from your school leadership program?

A leader can make or break the success of a team. Having the opportunity to sit in a variety of meetings with different leaders from my school allowed me to observe and experience how leadership styles impact teams. I witnessed teams that were more fragile and timid when sharing their thoughts due to a micromanager; whereas, leaders that viewed themselves as collaborators cultivated creative, independent problem solvers. Although all schools, private or public, have their own unique strengths and challenges, I found that leaders who empower their teammates are vital to the success and growth of students’ educational careers across all academic settings.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the M.A. school leadership degree program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago?

Though the idea of taking on additional responsibilities as a full-time educator while maintaining a healthy personal life certainly seems overwhelming, the program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago makes this very attainable. The expectations and due dates for every course are consistent throughout the program. Once you learn the pattern of when discussion posts and papers are due, you will maintain that pace throughout the entirety of the program. Not only are the professors easily accessible, they provide scaled rubrics for every paper. This helped me plan, outline, and prepare successful papers that met the requirements of the course.

Because the program is geared toward full-time educators, the professors within the program know the demands of our daily work as educators and make your success in the program achievable. If you’re looking to further your career as an educator, I strongly encourage you pursue this!

The post Alumni Spotlight: Maggie Bender, M.A. in School Leadership appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.