Why did you choose the MS Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program?
I chose MSPE because it gave me the flexibility of continuing my education through UW-Madison while returning home to Connecticut where I was starting my career, so I was able to get the best of both worlds. I fulfilled my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education in 2022 and I was eager to get a start in the field but I knew that I wanted to receive a higher degree in the earlier stages of my teaching career so that I could have a greater understanding of a variety of practices that I could implement into my teaching and MSPE seemed like just the way to accomplish such!
"I feel as though I put so much thought into the decisions I make in the classroom now, and can say that this all came from my experiences at UW Madison in both my undergraduate experiences as well as in MSPE."
How has the program helped you achieve your career, educational, or personal goals?
MSPE has helped me achieve a variety of goals held for myself including furthering my understanding of techniques and practices that would be beneficial in supporting a diverse population of students with differing needs as well as understanding the reasons WHY we do certain moves as educators. I feel as though I put so much thought into the decisions I make in the classroom now, and can say that this all came from my experiences at UW Madison in both my undergraduate experiences as well as in MSPE. I also was able to spend a great deal of time diving into a topic that truly interests me through our Capstone/Thesis project where I studied the importance of implementing an SEL program with fidelity. This has helped so much in my career and allows me to see children and professionals in a new light!
What advice would you offer to incoming students embarking on this journey?
Advice that I would give to students starting their journey in MSPE is to try your best to be on top of everything, get a head start, always reach out to instructors or peers, and never be afraid to ask questions especially because of the online environment it is very easy to feel alone, but get a few people’s numbers. Be a resource to others and vice versa and find a routine that works for you. You will be successful if you give it your best effort.
"I truly believe it is such a wonderful program and is adaptable to so many different people’s lifestyles, both academically speaking in the course loads and in the applicability to people’s careers."
Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the program or how it has impacted you?
A memorable experience was getting to meet everyone in person for the first time after living together over zoom for 2 years. It was really special and unique to have made so many relationships that supported me throughout the program and then get to celebrate our accomplishments together across the table from one another was really memorable!
What else would you like to share?
I loved my time in MSPE, and while I am biased toward UW Madison, I truly believe it is such a wonderful program and is adaptable to so many different people’s lifestyles, both academically speaking in the course loads and in the applicability to people’s careers. Best of luck to all who fulfill the program.
