星空传媒

Benefits of Traditional Education: Master of Education

---

If you are currently a teacher with the desire to expand your skills and career opportunities, 星空传媒’s Master of Education could be the perfect program for you. Those particularly interested in a master’s level curriculum taught by professors with a Christian worldview may find NU’s M.Ed. a philosophical and spiritual fit. We have interviewed three students who will graduate from this program in Spring 2016 for their perspective on the benefits and challenges of NU’s M.Ed. program:

---

1. Why did you choose to get your degree from a Christian college?

Elizabeth Callaghan
Currently Teaching: 7th-11th grade history at Grace Academy in Marysville, Washington.

"There are several reasons why I chose to get my degree from a Christian college. One is that I currently teach at a Christian school, so I was looking for a program that would have a similar philosophy. Also, having professors that have a Christian worldview is important to me, having professors who encourage me to live out God's will for my life is the best feeling. Lastly, while not a guarantee it is a delight to have classmates who can support me in my walk with the Lord and who are praying for me as we struggle through the process together."

Michele Jacobson
Currently Teaching: 4th-6th grade Special Education at Sherwood Elementary, Edmonds, Washington.

"I did not choose NU because it was a Christian college.  I chose it because the program fit the needs and interests I have as an educator."

Marissol Karczeski
Currently Teaching: Substitute teacher (mostly dual-language programs and ELL classrooms) for the Lake Washington and Northshore School Districts. 

"I wanted to receive the best education from other teachers and professors who shared the same faith.  It was my belief that they would equip me to become the best teacher, not only with knowledge but also wisdom when starting my career in the specific field of teaching English Language Learners (ELLs)."

2. Why did you choose NU’s program, specifically?

Elizabeth Callaghan:
"NU's program had the flexibility I was looking for and the support I needed. Also, NU went out of their way to make some accommodations for me that were unique to my situations, three other universities that I contacted were unwilling."

Michele Jacobson:
"My husband works in the Education department at NU and I was very familiar with the program.  With that information, I knew it would be a good fit for what I was interested in."

Marissol Karczeski:
"I’ve chosen a degree from 星空传媒 for a few reasons. First, I chose this university because the staff was very helpful when I was searching for my higher education. They gave me prompt answers when I was applying for the program and offered their support for anything I needed, including finding my way inside of the campus!  Another important factor for me was the tuition and fees: they were within my means and I wanted to be college debt-free by the end of my Master’s degree. Lastly, the campus is closer to my home."

3. How does your education from a Christian college impact you as a teacher?

Elizabeth Callaghan:
"Coming from a Christian perspective I am constantly reminded that my students are made in the image of God and His perfect creation, but also that they are fallen and in need of a Savior. My mission as a teacher is both to educate for life and impact for eternity. NU has equipped me to do both of these, as well as teach."

Michele Jacobson:
"I work in a public school and therefore cannot talk about my faith overtly, but it does affect how I view and treat my students.

Marissol Karczeski:
"An education from a Christian college such as NU has impacted me as a teacher by learning not only from the content they have taught me but also by their life and classroom experiences. In this environment, our professors seemed to feel comfortable in sharing their struggles in the profession with a Christian faith view.  Their emphasis throughout this program has been to serve and improve the life of our students, or future students. I feel that I will be better prepared to help our schools and community by having clear expectations of where is my place in education."

4. What were some of the challenges you faced in the course of the program?

Elizabeth Callaghan:
"Time management was probably the greatest challenge, it can be very challenging to balance teaching full time with being a student. The classes themselves were also challenging in asking me to really consider my current practice and try things out of my comfort zone."

Michele Jacobson:
"As a busy teacher, it was challenging to balance my work in my classroom as well as the workload from my classes at NU, but so much of what I learned I was able to immediately apply to my classroom."

Marissol Karczeski:
"One of the challenges that I faced over the program was to determine my position and attitude towards the decisions that are imposed by the government in the education system.  Another challenge was to decide which age group I would be teaching because with this program (ELL concentration) we can teach from kindergarten through high school grades. This means we learn a little bit of everything, but if we know which grade we are going to teach, then our professors can be even more helpful to our individual needs."

5. What advice would you have for students receiving education degrees from Christian colleges?

Elizabeth Callaghan:
"Take advantage of the professors! They are the best resource you have throughout your program and even after. They have classroom experience and are willing to share from their successes and failures."

Michele Jacobson:
"Whether you are going to be teaching in a public or private school, the real test of a good teaching program is if you are learning strong instructional strategies to meet the needs of 21st Century students."

Marissol Karczeski:
"The advice that I would have is to make good use of all the help they offer at the college. If students need help with writing, schedule an appointment with a tutor at the writing center. If there is a need of extra help in any of the assignments, e-mail your professors and they will likely meet with you to clarify any questions you might have."