Why did you choose the MS Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program?
I eagerly applied to MSPE for two reasons. One, it was clear from testimonials as well as the prestige of the department that I was going to be challenged. Two, because the program was so clearly laid out for prospective applicants, I could tell that it was designed specifically to fit the schedule of working educators.
"My advice is to dive in. Challenge yourself. Be a Badger."
How has the program helped you achieve your career, educational, or personal goals?
When I started MSPE, I had already been working as an instructional coach for some years. I realized very quickly how much of a novice I was engaging with research. It’s surprising to me, now that I’ve graduated, that anybody in my district listened to me while mostly sharing my inclinations rather than research-backed guidance. Another benefit of becoming more comfortable with research is that I can be less reactive as an instructional leader. Whereas before I might’ve waited to be told what works, and only then begin our work in implementing it, now I trust that we can be part of cutting-edge conversation from the outset.
What advice would you offer to incoming students embarking on this journey?
Many paths lead to starting a master’s program. For me, to be honest, it was an additional step on my district’s salary schedule. When I weighed other online programs throughout the country, I gathered that there were easier programs out there for me to check that box. MSPE demands the best and total dedication. My advice is to dive in. Challenge yourself. Be a Badger.
"MSPE is constantly evolving its content to suit today's schools. I was pleasantly surprised how much of the program I could make applicable to my context."
Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the program or how it has impacted you?
MSPE is constantly evolving its content to suit today’s schools. I was pleasantly surprised by how much of the program I could make applicable to my context. When we studied inclusive practices, my school was exploring more inclusive practices. When we studied SEL programs, our high school was exploring 9-12 SEL options. And weirdly, when we studied liability during the school law course, I managed to seriously cut my leg on a metal bench at school! No lawsuits required.
What else would you like to share?
I bounced around schools and majors during my undergrad, so I can’t say I ever felt like I had a college home. Despite attending in-person, being an alumni of where I graduated from never felt worthy of putting a bumper sticker on my car. UW-Madison feels different even though every one of my classes was completed online. This was important to me and MSPE delivered. I still get lost on campus when I happen to be in the area, but I don’t feel any less like a Badger.
