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

Like many educators, I had a handful of teachers during my school-age years who inspired me to embark on a career in secondary education. Each of them encouraging words along the lines of ‘You’d be great at it.’ Student teaching experiences and early substitute gigs offered me some validation of this message. However, more impactful in my decision to stay in education were the sixth grade Newcomer English Language (EL) students I met during my first long-term substitute teaching job. Their unabashed eagerness for school reminded me of exactly what I truly want learning to be for all students: positive and fun. When I witness a glimmer of this in a student, or even in a colleague, I am inspired to continue.

Why did you choose CSP Global for your master’s degree in educational leadership?

When I was considering furthering my education, three factors were my priority: geographic location, class time offerings that coordinated with my schedule, and value (financial cost + knowledge and skill sets gained). CSP Global is located just off of I-94 and Snelling, very convenient for my Northeast Minneapolis residence. The evening, once-a-week cohort option was a perfect fit for my busy calendar. The breadth of topics covered in the Educational Leadership program and ample opportunities for deep conversation and leadership practice within each course was ideal. What’s more, with the lane change I made after obtaining my master’s degree, I will have already seen a positive return on my investment just a few years after graduation.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at CSP Global and how do you use them today?

Among the plethora, two pragmatic skills I sharpened through my program were: 1) an increased confidence presenting to colleagues and 2) more effective communication strategies, especially with difficult-to-deliver information.

Each course required an individual and/or group presentation, and as much as I dreaded it at the beginning, I am grateful for each opportunity I had to practice. Where I previously had great anxiety in front of peers, to the point of forgetting major points I wanted to make, I can now confidently deliver content on professional development days in a more clear, concise, and engaging way.

One of the courses allowed us to learn our specific strengths and weaknesses in leadership and how to consider these in communicating effectively to people to improve teaching and learning for all. Each month, I facilitate content area meetings with groups of teachers who are working very hard to write their own curriculum. I am required to ask for even more from teachers with already full plates, so I use what I learned about delivering difficult information. I can carefully navigate pushback with discerning questions instead of what teachers often feel: judgement and disregard. I can guide teachers to reach and trust their own conclusions with intentional prompts and reminders of best practice research. I use my collaborative leadership style to increase buy-in and progress.

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?

My master’s degree has had both a financial impact and an insight-gaining impact on my current position. I believe I was hired for my current role because I was in the middle of obtaining a higher degree in educational leadership. Administration saw me as someone who wanted to continue to learn and stretch professionally. Once I completed the program, I acquired a lane change and, of course, the raise that accompanies.

The way that the M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership program requires coursework from the various, layered pieces of education, from curriculum and instruction to legal and ethical issues, I have a better handle on why this institution functions the way that it does. I am better at asking the intentional questions to motivate change and equity. I am better at considering the perspectives of stakeholders who are not classroom teachers which has allowed me to navigate professional conversations in a new, more effective way. I am trusted by my administration to take on more responsibility. I have even been encouraged by colleagues to become part of the administration team — something I am seriously considering.

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

About five months after starting the program, my partner and I found out we had another baby on the way, and we were still getting used to our son who was born the previous summer. I knew I could handle continuing classes while pregnant, but I was certain I was going to need to put the second year of the program on hold. While my partner was a huge support in my decision to keep going, it was the instructor of the second course of year two who truly made it feel possible. As I was nearing my due date, she and I met to discuss the remaining assignments. Her immense willingness to be flexible with deadlines put me at ease. She even encouraged me to bring my baby to class! I will never forget standing in the front of the classroom during our final presentation and seeing my amazing instructor swaying my 10-day old daughter to sleep in the back.

What was the biggest takeaway from your master’s program?

Beyond the aforementioned professional skills, my biggest takeaway was insight into my own ability to balance more than I ever thought I could. Taking on higher education while working as a full-time teacher and adding humans to my family was intense and at times a real struggle. The experience taught me so much about my own strength and endurance. A cohort of supportive colleagues and quality instructors were both key in making the challenge a positive one.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the Educational Leadership M.A.Ed. program at CSP Global?  

If you are considering furthering your education, but you are not quite sure which program to choose, this is a great one. It will provide great insight into how the institution of education functions and open a variety of professional possibilities (i.e., curriculum lead or continue to become an administrator). Throughout the program there are opportunities to network with colleagues and instructors that are leaders in education around the Twin Cities. The coursework will push you out of your comfort zone and help you develop leadership skills you can use in all facets of your life.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Sheahan, M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership appeared first on CSP Global.

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

Working to engage and inspire our communities of learners is, and always has been, a passion of mine. There are so many committed professionals in the field of education, so many wonderful communities, and so many passionate learners that it is difficult to pinpoint all who have been so inspirational throughout my 19 years in education. Every day I have an opportunity to see new successes, to experience something I have yet to experience, and to engage with new people in the community. Education is unique in the ability to connect us with great communities, great learners, and great colleagues, all of which fuels my passion and advocacy for high quality and equitable learning opportunities.

Why did you choose CSP Global for your doctorate in educational leadership?

CSP Global gave me the opportunity to connect with professionals of different experiences than what I have had. Bettering our educational system across the board meant greater exposure to all of the challenges we have across all walks of life. CSP Global’s focus on responsive and equitable leadership in our schools was critical in my decision to pursue my Ed.D. degree and complete my graduate work with CSP Global. As a cohort, we were able to be a part of the first group to complete this program, and the amount of professional guidance in our learning matched what we had received throughout both our master’s and specialist programs.

CSP Global continued to give me an opportunity to connect with experienced leadership mentors and to this day take the time to reach out, check-in, and help advance our professional growth and opportunities. That level of personal connection is why Concordia is such a great experience.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at CSP Global and how do you use them today?

Well-rounded leadership involves an understanding of what each of your colleagues brings to the table. Being able to listen to a high-quality and experienced set of instructors, a diverse cohort of colleagues from out-state to urban educators, and a unique set of perspectives contributed to advancing our ability to connect leadership theory to practice. Working in teaching and learning, as well as data and analytics, has become an approach where we look at all of our people and all of our measures to create partnerships in learning that connect with the passions and interests of our learners. The skills and, more importantly, the examples and human capital gained through my program allow me to make as many of these connections as possible on a daily basis.

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

The doctoral program and degree allowed for new learning and a new perspective on what we see daily in education. This has allowed me to connect the art and the science of teaching and learning in new ways and foster opportunities for all learners based on multiple measures and perspectives. The degree has opened doors for opportunities not only for myself professionally but also in what I can do to continue to move our educational organization forward. It was an experience that I cannot otherwise replace from a professional practice and a personal standpoint. It has helped me build a network of professionals that are valuable resources in advancing our community of learners.

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

With a family and a profession, you may wonder how you will ever find the time to finish such a difficult task. Building a coalition of support, with your family first and your professional colleagues right after, can be the most empowering motivator you have as you go through your doctorate program. Work with your family and committee on setting a clear timeline, establishing goals, and celebrating successes that you can share with both. This is what kept me along a path to completion and is something you can share as a part of the journey with people impacted most by the program. There was no better feeling than having your family, friends, and colleagues watch as you walked across the stage!

What was the biggest takeaway from your educational leadership program?

I was very fortunate to go through all of CSP Global’s graduate programs, from a master’s in education leadership to a doctorate in educational leadership. My biggest takeaway when starting was all of the knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice. However, the transformational aspect will occur when you realize that you will have the opportunity to pay forward all of which was shared with you. For those of you that believe in being multipliers, this will be your takeaway, your challenge, and your mission as a leader in the educational field.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the Ed.D. educational leadership program at CSP Global?

For every individual, you will have a different passion, a different problem to solve, and a different reason for taking on a doctorate program. Before you start, build your network of support and fill it with those that will inspire you through the end. Include your family, friends, and network of professionals as they will be your biggest guides through the challenges that may be tough to get through. Remember that you are not expected to solve a problem that is so broad that your research will never end but instead are just adding to the body of literature in one very targeted and specific area of a problem. In a 1000 piece puzzle, you are one piece, and you would be amazed how that one piece advances a solution (and creates new questions). Build your supports and don’t give up until you are finished.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

CSP Global has positioned its programs with some of the most knowledgeable and caring professionals around Minnesota. Feel confident that your experience will last far beyond the completion of any of your programs. It is hard to describe how motivated you will be to pay the opportunities forward that have been given to you in the same way CSP Global’s committed faculty will do for you.

After this blog was published, Concordia University St. Paul changed the program name from Ed.D. in Educational Leadership to Doctor of Education. The focus of the program was updated and provides advanced career opportunities in a variety of educational fields outside of a K-12 setting  While it still incorporates leadership in a  K-12 setting the degree is also transferable to numerous leadership opportunities beyond education, including private, non-profit, public, and government organizations.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Paul Henn, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership appeared first on CSP Global.

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

Education has been my life. Ever since entering kindergarten, I have always been in a classroom: as a student, as a paraprofessional, and eventually, as a teacher. I feel comfortable and alive in a classroom! I knew very early on in my life that I wanted to be an educator.

I have had many people inspire me during my educational journey: my favorite fifth grade teacher, some special coworkers, and my family. They have all played a part in who I have become as a teacher. They have helped develop my passion, creativity, and confidence.

Why did you choose CSP Global for your master’s degree in educational leadership?               

When I decided to get my master’s degree, I searched many different options. I chose CSP Global for a few reasons. First, CSP’s courses were 100% online. That was really important for me. Secondly, CSP was affordable. There were many payment options that made taking the classes feasible. But most importantly, I had a lot of questions as I embarked on this journey, and the staff at CSP were so kind and timely in answering my questions. I truly felt like they cared and they did not even know me. I knew CSP was the place for me!

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at CSP Global and how do you use them today?

I most definitely sharpened my communication and technical writing skills throughout my master’s program! I always considered myself to be a proficient writer, but after two years of taking writing intensive classes and studying the writer’s manual, I now consider myself to be an exemplary technical writer! It has been fun to look back at my writing from the beginning courses to the writing done in my capstone. One can definitely see the improvement. Improving my writing automatically improved my communication skills. I feel more confident and equipped to present information to the staff, the school board, and the community.

These skills are very useful when I grant write, do presentations, and even when I am in the classroom with my students.

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

Earning my master’s degree in educational leadership has provided me with invaluable skills and information that I use almost every day in my current position. I feel more confident and qualified to be doing the job that I do. I also feel that should other leadership positions become available, I would be qualified to apply. My master’s degree has also advanced my position on our district’s salary scale.

What was a challenge you faced during your master’s program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

 Last January (half way through my last year in the master’s program), my father passed away. Although it was not a surprise to me, it was still a devastating time in my life. I was not sure how I was going to complete the class that I was in. I reached out to my professor, as well as two of my cohort members that had become good friends. With their support, and that of my family, I was able to complete the class successfully, missing only one class period. I actually found that the homework and comradery from being in a class was therapeutic. It helped to give me purpose during a time when I felt helpless. It also helped to direct my energy into something positive when I found it hard to just get out of bed.

 What was the biggest takeaway from your master’s in educational leadership program?

My biggest takeaway from the experience of gaining my master’s in educational leadership was that I truly am capable. I am a first-generation college graduate. Going to college was not even an option that I considered when I was in high school. It was not until I was working as a paraprofessional and met one particular teacher that saw my skills and encouraged me to pursue my dream that I even thought college was possible. To think that I now have my master’s is almost unbelievable to me! It is something for which I have worked extremely hard and in which I am very proud.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the master’s educational leadership program at CSP Global?

My advice for anyone considering the master’s educational leadership program at CSP Global would be: Believe in yourself. But also…

• Understand that research, completing projects, and writing papers takes a huge amount of time. Make sure you are up for the challenge and can dedicate enough time and energy to complete quality assignments.
• Realize that there is a fair amount of group work in the classes. Know that your group members are counting on you to pull your weight. Do not let them down. You may have different ideas, work ethics, or schedules; but you need to be able to commit to doing your part.
• Don’t wait. There are always excuses: money, time, etc. I doubted my abilities and kept putting my dream of earning a master’s degree on the back burner. I wish I would have done it sooner. If you are hesitating, believe in yourself and go for it!
• Know that the professors are there to help and guide you. They want you to succeed. Ask for help if needed.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Educating oneself is a wonderful investment!

The post Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Sjolander, M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership appeared first on CSP Global.

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

On first embarking on higher education, teaching ESL was always in the back of my mind but never came to fruition. I ended up with an English degree and fell into administrative work for many years due to a poor economy where jobs were scarce. After a divorce, I ended up in a small town for a time and substitute taught. This was something I learned about when job searching. After six months of substitute teaching, I realized that this was something I really loved. I ended up going back to school as a result of this positive experience.

Why did you choose CSP Global for your master’s degree in education?

As someone who had been out of education for about ten years, it was important for me to find a program that fit with my life. I knew I needed to continue to work and that I needed flexibility. At the time, CSP Global was the only university that offered a program that required only one evening a week online, and I could fit in my observations every six weeks based off my schedule and coordinating with the elementary schools I would contact for observation hours. As I already had an undergraduate degree, I wanted to find a degree that met the licensure requirements to be a teacher and also allowed for the added benefit of a master’s degree.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at CSP Global and how do you use them today?

Being a middle-aged adult, the idea of being in school was very daunting. Part of the appeal of the online setting that CSP Global offered was that it was conducive to being a working adult. I no longer was looking for a college experience, but a change of career. I met my cohort who were middle-aged adults for the most part just like me. We all had a vision of changing our career trajectory. It was overwhelming to navigate at first, but the support of my peers provided me with much comfort. We were able to talk out our worries and be proactive in the program with the assurance of many minds put together. Everyone’s journey is a little different, but that peer comradery was crucial. There was a great need for self-motivation, and at the time, it was daunting to be in charge of so much of my learning, but I realized later it was building in me a more competent and self-sufficient person to be able to meet the demands of the job.

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

The job market is very competitive in education. My advisor had advised me that most teachers who start out work in charter or private schools. It was a humbling beginning to realize that I couldn’t just get a public school teaching job right away. Taking the master’s degree option felt like a good choice, especially considering how many qualified candidates are vying for the same jobs. I was able to obtain a full-time teaching position within eight months of graduation. After hearing stories of licensed graduates waiting sometimes years, I felt very fortunate.

What was a challenge you faced during your master’s program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was being a self-starter. There wasn’t anyone to remind me or encourage me to get my work done or go out and find observation hours. It was much more independent than I realized it would be as a program. It felt like I was being groomed for great things, as the rigor was high.

What was the biggest takeaway from your master’s education program?

My biggest takeaway was that I could rise to the occasion and do hard things. It was a defining moment in my life of accomplishment that made me believe in myself.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the master’s education program at CSP Global?

I would say that you need to be prepared to put in the work. If you do the online master’s program, you will need to be a scrupulous time manager. On the bright side, in two years you could change the trajectory of your life. You could finally be doing something that you love, and doors will open that never did before.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would encourage those who feel like they are not master’s degree material to reconsider. I came from nothing and worked for what I have today. There are opportunities to be had, so do not be your own greatest obstacle.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Lisa Madison, M.A. in Education appeared first on CSP Global.

CSP Global provides its students with an affordable tuition. I was fortunate enough to not have to apply for financial aid, but an affordable and upfront sticker price was necessary for me in order to budget for the two-year program. One thing I particularly liked about the tuition price was that it was fixed. Throughout the two-year program, I knew that I was guaranteed the same price for each semester. This understanding of the financial commitment was important, as my husband and I were planning on starting a family during the program. Had I been unsure if the tuition prices would inflate, I may not have chosen CSP for my degree.

Along with being confident in the cost of the program, there was another financial aspect that stood out to me with CSP Global, and that was the advisers. The financial aid advisers were more than supportive. They would send out friendly reminders to tell me that upcoming payments were due. When I first enrolled, they walked me step-by-step through navigating the university’s website in order to ensure that I knew how to check my status and make easy payments. I would even receive follow-up emails letting me know they had received my check in the mail. Along with this, I felt like I could ask the advisers any questions, whether big or small, and they would give me a clear answer. While I didn’t know what kind of advising I would need when I enrolled in the program, I was more than happy with what Concordia provided me.

There were several attractive aspects that encouraged my decision to enroll in CSP Global’s master’s program. Of these aspects, the most noteworthy was the transparency of the fixed tuition price that I could trust wouldn’t change for me throughout the program. Also, the reliability and support of the financial advisers was very surprising and extremely helpful. I am thankful that these reasons pushed me to choose CSP for my postgraduate degree.

The post How CSP Global Made Getting my Master’s Degree Affordable appeared first on CSP Global.