When I was faced with the same opportunity of being a mentor teacher, I didn’t feel prepared to help facilitate the growth of another teacher into the profession during the most challenging year of teaching. My master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Thomas University gave me the confidence and knowledge to help a struggling first year teacher grow and face those challenges with confidence.

What is a Student Mentor? 

A student mentor is a person that provides support to a mentee teacher. Typically, a mentor teacher helps a preservice teacher still in college, or a first year teacher, work through the challenges that come along with teaching. A student mentor usually has many years of experience and has proven to be a reliable, proficient and trustworthy person in the school building. What I have found being a student mentor is a mentor offers multiple types of support to the new teacher in an effort to help them improve their craft in the classroom.

A student mentor must also understand what makes a good teacher and communicate that effectively to other teachers. While I was a student mentor before I earned my master’s degree from Thomas University, I don’t think I was very effective at preparing preservice teachers to instruct students in fast paced, highly engaged classrooms. The curriculum and instruction degree I earned from Thomas University enhanced my understanding of how effective instruction improves all aspects of teaching.

Skills I Learned in my Curriculum and Instruction Program

The master’s degree that I earned through Thomas University has made me a better teacher and prepared me to help other teachers by teaching me practical skills that I use in the classroom consistently. One skill I learned and have implemented is using SEL (social-emotional learning) to help students move forward in their learning by facing challenges head on, with determination, rather than folding under the pressures. I learned how to help students with behavior issues effectively communicate their feelings in order to resolve issues that before would have blown up and caused major disruptions to the learning environment. I learned through the SEL class how to empower students to advocate for themselves respectfully, take ownership of their own learning, and role model for other students how to deal with their emotions.

I also learned how to effectively use technology in the classroom. We all know that technology, while a great tool, can be used in ways that are not impactful. The classes at Thomas University exposed me to researched best practices using technology. The class also gave me my idea for my research project. I researched the impact a flipped classroom has on social studies instruction at the middle school level. It challenged me to use technology in ways that I was unfamiliar with and unaware of. Ultimately, I have altered my instructional practices and utilize flipped classroom instruction often, which gives me back instructional time in the classroom to assist individual students and meet their needs. The technology portion of the degree program has been extremely helpful during our learning-from-home days.

How my Master’s Made me a Better Student Mentor

While I appreciate all my mentor did for me while I was student teaching, I did not get trained in the best researched-based practices of the teaching profession. I did not walk away with a tool box with multiple strategies I could pull from. This may have been your experience as well after your student teaching was completed. I wanted the mentee teachers under my tutelage to understand how to impact student achievement using strategies that are proven to raise student achievement. Thomas University set me on that path personally, and what I learned helped me impact my student teachers.

My master’s classes helped me understand that relationships and a positive learning environment are essential to student achievement and learning. My SEL classes helped me role model how to allow students to take ownership of their learning and deal with challenges in the classroom. Multiple times my student teachers would speak to me about how to better relate to students and I frequently would refer back to my SEL classes at Thomas University to relay what I had learned to my student mentee.

I also have been able to share how technology instruction can be meaningful to my student teachers. Rather than simply using a projector and computer to lecture and show a powerpoint (which has its place for sure), I have been able to share with my student teachers how to use technology in the classroom to add rigor and raise student achievement. Sharing this knowledge with my student teachers has given them a leg up on other potential teachers. When a student teacher shares with a potential employer their lesson plans and they are able to show they know how to flip a classroom, it shows the employer the student teacher utilizes researched-based practices and has more experience than other teachers in delivering multiple modes of instruction.

Ultimately, my degree from Thomas University has allowed me to not only impact my students in the classroom, it has allowed me to give back to future teachers and further the teaching profession as well.

Are you looking to further your education to become a better educator? Check out our M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program and enroll to get started today!

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A question you might have on your mind is: why a degree in curriculum and instruction, why not early childhood education, or middle grades? Well, this is only a question YOU can answer. One reason the curriculum and instruction degree is a great degree is because of all of the variety of learning you will obtain. The variety of classes you will receive focus on a myriad of ideas and topics related to K-12 grade levels.

The program at Thomas University gears its students to have an authentic classroom setting sitting at home on your couch. Thomas University’s master’s degree in curriculum and instruction’s purpose is to give all students across the state of Georgia and surrounding states the opportunity to learn in a non-traditional way. This non-traditional way is through online teaching.

What You’ll Learn in a Curriculum and Instruction Program

One goal that a lot of people have on their mind when they are entering into a master’s program is: how much money will I get when I receive my degree? This is not a goal; this is an advantage when earning a master’s degree. The master’s in curriculum and instruction’s goal is to help you better understand your curriculum, data, educational theorists, and technology use.

The goal of understanding your curriculum is huge. Teachers have so much going on that sometimes it can be difficult to have time to just sit and look through our school’s or district’s curriculum. Having a class that has you take your own curriculum and analyze it is extremely helpful. Not only do you get to analyze it, but others get to look at it, and you receive feedback from a professor.

DATA, DATA, DATA. This is something that all teachers hear and see. There is so much data that we drown in it sometimes. All of your classes in the curriculum and instruction program at Thomas University will help students learn how to collect and read data in a manageable way.

I will tell you, the educational theories are probably the hardest thing to learn in the program. BUT, I will tell you it is one of the biggest parts of a degree in curriculum and instruction. Not only does it help with the success of passing the GACE test for curriculum and instruction; it also helps you understand the importance of choices you make every day in a classroom.

By understanding the different theorists, teachers can make better decisions about how to face certain situations in a classroom, such as when asking questions. It is important to have the one-answer response questions, but it is essential to dig deeper with the students. By understanding Benjamin Bloom and Bloom’s Taxonomy of Hierarchical thinking, teachers can understand their students better.

My favorite part of the curriculum and instruction program at Thomas University was my technology class. One goal that you should have in mind is how you are going to stay ahead of your students in technology. This might not be something on your mind, but it is something that teachers are facing today.

Advantages of a Curriculum and Instruction Degree

Of course, the number one advantage of earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction is the increase in salary, but it is definitely not the only advantage. The knowledge gained from the master’s program is incredibly huge, especially the program through Thomas University. Throughout the program, I learned about how important research is, which helps you gain more professional knowledge. I grew in my leadership capabilities and improved in the way I collaborate with others.

One advantage that people receive from a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction is professional knowledge.  The conversations that I had my first few years of teaching were always somewhat confusing. The more education I received the easier the conversations became. I was able to talk about good data, bad data, and reflect with others. I understand now what makes something reliable and accurate. Everything that I listed in the prior section was not only goals but advantages too. By achieving and reaching goals that I did not know might have been goals to begin with, I have gained so much knowledge for myself and to share with others.

Which leads me to my next advantage: leadership. Putting yourself in a leadership role will help to go through the master’s program of curriculum and instruction. The idea of receiving this degree is to gain professional knowledge, but it also lends itself to the students becoming leaders in education. When taking the GACE assessment to receive the certificate upgrade, the tester has to put themselves in the shoes of a leader, not a classroom teacher. In some cases, the answer a classroom teacher would give might not be the same answer an instructional coach or administrator would give.

The program focuses on all types of roles of educators. Whether it is a homeroom teacher, early intervention program teacher, English language learner teacher, special education teacher, instructional coach, or administrator, everyone can learn from this program. I have become a leader in the schools that I have worked at. I led the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system for a whole middle school. I give all the credit to the degree I earned at Thomas University. The PBIS system I became the leader of is what I wrote about in the class in which I had to create a grant idea. I also learned so much in my instructional technology class, which has given me the knowledge to be a technology contact in my school.

The last advantage that an educator will receive from the master’s degree in curriculum and instruction is how to collaborate with others more confidently and efficiently. Even though this program is solely online, a student still receives the most authentic learning. I worked with people from more than three school districts and learned so much from them. It gave me the confidence to be able to speak with others from different schools and different districts about our struggles and successes in our own settings.

Also, Thomas University uses a program called Zoom to administer classes. This was something new that they were trying when I first started. This program was awesome and was super easy to use. The classes were able to break into small groups and work, just like if you were in a classroom. By Thomas University staying on top of new trends in technology, they were able to run their classes more efficiently, which entailed showing the students how to run their classes more efficiently.

There are so many great educational experiences that students can receive from gaining a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Thomas University. This program not only stays ahead of the curve in technology but also keeps up with the ongoing trends that we see in America’s schools today.

Want to further your education and progress your career? Explore our M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program and enroll today!

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When did you decide to pursue a graduate degree? 

I knew, after a few years in the classroom, that I needed an additional degree, but I had no clue where I wanted to obtain that degree from. I considered all types of programs from schools all over the United States. I spent countless hours (just ask my wife) researching, discussing, and considering all the options before me. One day, in my box at work, I received a flyer about Thomas University. The flyer spoke of respecting the time and obligations of working adults, small class sizes with caring professors (completely true), and a program completed from the comfort of your own home. I realized how convenient this sounded and decided to go for it. My experience allowed me the opportunity to grow professionally and helped me adapt in the classroom. I have bragged about this program many times and am honored to share my experience at Thomas University with you all.

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

I joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school. I was well prepared for that setting thanks to my parents, teachers, and coaches. As a Marine, I was thrust into situations where I was teaching other Marines how to do specific skills. I was able to train other Marines how to shoot and realized how much I enjoyed teaching. Those experiences, along with the vast amount of respect for my childhood teachers, inspired me to continue serving others through teaching.

Why did you choose Thomas University for your master’s degree in curriculum and instruction? 

One point that sold me on attending Thomas University was the convenience of never having to leave my home to obtain the degree. My wife and I were new parents at the time. The idea of leaving the house one night a week was not appealing. The program being completely online and class being every other week was important to my family and pushed us toward this particular program.

The program also sold me on the academic challenge it promised. Course descriptions allowed me to understand how I could grow professionally in the classroom and allowed me to visualize how I could influence teachers if I decided to pursue the role of subject department chair (which I now am) or instructional coach.

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

Prior to earning my degree in curriculum and instruction, I opposed using technology in my classroom. The curriculum and instruction program helped me see the benefit technology adds to a classroom environment. I did my research on flipping classrooms and continue to use videos to flip my classroom in order to protect my instructional time with students. I also gained experience in understanding how social-emotional learning impacts students in the classroom and now use restorative language when interacting with students.

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

Quickly after completing my degree, I moved into the position of social studies department chair for my school. I have learned how the curriculum aligns vertically and how to plan to support students across grade levels. I have been able to plan school-wide initiatives in this position and have enjoyed implementing strategies I learned while earning my degree. I plan in the future to move into administration and know that understanding how curriculum is written, including the hidden curriculum, will benefit me greatly.

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

Writing research papers at the undergraduate level does not compare to writing at the graduate level, especially when you are responsible for completing the research and sharing your findings. Completing the research component of the degree was the most challenging academic requirement I have ever participated in. I gained confidence I could complete the task from my professor. Dr. Moak, in particular, was instrumental in my success. She explained the process systematically (even planning individual video meetings) and provided examples of excellent student work. Dr. Moak, along with other professors at Thomas University, are dedicated to helping students through the difficulties they face.

What was your biggest takeaway from your curriculum and instruction program? 

I walked away from the curriculum and instruction program at Thomas University with the understanding that I was now able to impact students across the school building, not only in my classroom, by planning curriculum and encouraging other teachers to implement research-based strategies in the classroom. My degree gave me the knowledge and confidence to implement technology in the classroom that leads to higher student achievement, and I have improved my formative assessment practices.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the M.Ed. curriculum and instruction degree program at Thomas University?

Do not be afraid to take risks during your program. I disliked using technology in the classroom. I decided to use that fear and research the impact of technology on instruction to validate what I believed. I found that I was wrong.

The thing you must take advantage of, more than anything, is the knowledgeable staff. The professors are talented, caring, and desire success for you as a student. The program will provide you with opportunities to grow professionally and advance in your career.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Do not wait for the “perfect” time to complete your degree because the “perfect” time will never arrive. You deserve the opportunity to grow now. Your colleagues and students will benefit from you having earned this degree. You will not regret the decision.

The post Alumni Spotlight: Ryan London, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction appeared first on Thomas University.

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

Growing up I always wanted to be a superhero, nurse, or doctor. I believed all of these careers, real or fictitious, lend themselves to helping others. I was a child who struggled through school, almost failing fifth grade. I went through middle school and most of my high school years not understanding why I struggled so much. How was I supposed to achieve my great heights if I could not even be an average student? Finally, in my junior year of high school, my trigonometry teacher showed me how to be successful not only in school but in life. From that point on I knew that teachers could do the same thing a doctor, nurse, or even a superhero could do. Save lives! After my junior year, I knew exactly what I wanted to be: a teacher.

Why did you choose Thomas University for your M.Ed. curriculum and instruction degree?

As my second year of teaching started, I knew that I wanted to enter into my graduate degree. The question I asked myself was where to go? There was a local college that everyone attended and said was easy, but was that what I wanted? Easy? This college also required me to take an entrance test that was expensive, so I started looking elsewhere. Thomas University contacted my school board and had a meeting for candidates looking to start a graduate program. I decided to attend. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the programs they offered. Even though I taught elementary at the time I am also certified in other areas from middle to high school. Thomas University is one of the rare colleges that offers curriculum and instruction master’s degrees. Not only did they offer the degree I was looking for, but the program was also completely online. This was very beneficial for my family and me.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at Thomas University, and how do you use them today?

Thomas University educated me so much during my graduate program. One class that made me grow as a teacher was my assessment class. This was one of the first classes in my program. I always knew how important assessment data was in education, but I never knew that there were so many fun ways for students to take assessments and make data easy to gather for me as a teacher.

Something new that I learned from my time at Thomas University is how to purposefully use technology in the classroom. I designed my own website and learned how to use technology for a flipped classroom.

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?

In my current position as a fifth grade ELA and social studies teacher, my knowledge that I gained from Thomas University has improved my teaching skills. I have been able to display the importance of technology in the classroom. I use laptops every day with my students using the skills that I learned from Thomas University to advance my students’ skills and knowledge of the state’s standards and life. I hope the knowledge that I gained from my graduate program at Thomas University helps me grow as a teacher and one day become an instructional coach, so I can pass on my knowledge to others.

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

I was hoping to start and complete my graduate degree before I had any children. Well, that did not happen. To all future moms and dads or current moms and dads with the question of can I complete a graduate program while being/becoming a parent, YES YOU CAN! This was an unexpected twist to what my husband and I were expecting. I was presented with difficult assignments on top of lesson plans but never wavered. My workload from school was not unbearable. Most assignments that were given pertained to the related tasks I was already doing inside the classroom.

The teachers that I had were accommodating with the birth of my child and were extremely helpful in rearranging my due dates. Most assignments I had to turn in before my baby came, but it wasn’t as difficult as I was anticipating. So, if you are trying to blame your family or your future family for furthering your education, DON’T. I can promise that the TU family cares about you as a student. They try to work with you and accommodate situations that you might not anticipate.

What was the biggest takeaway from your curriculum and instruction program?

There are so many takeaways from Thomas University that I can take out into my life. I know now that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I know how to be a better teacher. I know what it means to be a good leader and role model to others. I also know that one day I can apply ALL of my knowledge and be the best instructional leader and/or administrator I can be. The confidence that I have discovered in myself would not be possible if it wasn’t for the staff and teachers at Thomas University.

What would you tell prospective students considering the M.Ed. curriculum and instruction degree program at Thomas University?

If you are considering Thomas University, I would highly encourage that you make that jump. The knowledge you will receive will outweigh any cost you might think of. It was not by far the easiest, but it was the most knowledgeable program that I have ever been through. You will push yourself to heights that you might not imagine, and you will learn so much about yourself as a teacher and a person. In the words of Edmond Mbiaka, “Greatness is what happens when you aren’t afraid to relentlessly push yourself to tear down all your walls of limitations.”

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