Lisa Jennings, a 2004 graduate of the Master of Science in Education program, appreciates the preparation that the program provided for her current job as a second-grade teacher at Willow Creek Elementary School in Woodridge, Illinois. For starters, the program gave her a grounding in educational theory, which has proved very useful in her classroom at Willow Creek.
“The MSEd program taught me how to examine various educational theories and apply them to my classroom setting,” she says. “In the ever-changing education world, it's important to know how to examine those theories, decide on their relevance to your classroom and apply them in a manner that's beneficial to your students.” Her preparation through the MSEd program gave her the tools that she needs to figure out what works best in her own classroom.
Moreover, according to Jennings, the program’s emphasis on diversity in school settings has helped her to navigate the diversity of her current classroom. “The school in which I teach has a very diverse student population,” she explains. “I was glad to have exposure to various student populations during my teaching training experience. It helped me to better understand the different needs of my students.”
Jennings also credits the MSEd program for helping with her career prospects and the job search process. “Educators around the world recognize the prestigious nature of the school,” she says. “Likewise, the school is committed to ensuring that its graduates receive the best career placement services.”
Alumni Profiles