What made you choose Marymount University for the pursuit of your Doctorate?
Marymount University (MU) has good marketing and analytics. The school came up in numerous searches that I did on Google. I was in another program before but later switched to MU.
Marymount’s responsiveness and professionalism—from the admissions counselor with whom I initially spoke to the professors—made me choose this school for my Ed.D. degree. The admissions process moved fast and MU has a supportive community.
What do you hope to accomplish by earning an Ed.D. degree?
Professionally, I’m required to take classes to maintain certification. I’m also earning an Ed.D. degree because of my intellectual curiosity. Education brings out the best in me, and I love to learn a great deal in everything I do.
Personally, I want to set an example for my children. To show them what being committed, working hard, and sacrificing looks like—so that they know what they too can achieve.
Tell us a bit about your background up to this point – personal and/or professional.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked in public schools, public charter schools, and one private school (present employment). I’ve worked in everything from Pre-K to Adult Education. I’ve spent 26 years in education and I taught for 8 of those years. Working with kids never gets old.
Education inspires me. Those I teach learn from me, and I learn from them.
With regard to technology, you can never learn enough. Technology changes so rapidly that what you are reading about will be different tomorrow!
I come from a family of teachers. My mom was a teacher and school principal for over 25 years. My dad was a school principal. My wife is a teacher. My sister used to be a teacher, now she is an administrator.
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What do you think of the Ed.D. program so far?
I find that the faculty and staff of MU are great. I enjoy working with my cohort classmates.
The program is challenging. Some of the coursework is very meaningful and practical. I find myself evaluating the work and asking myself, “what’s important for me to learn, to move forward?”
I’m learning to prioritize all of my work big time! MU has flexible staff that holds you accountable but also understands that you work full-time or have other life commitments.
What is the biggest highlight of your experience with the MU Ed.D. program?
The biggest highlight of the program is how positive everyone is. I love being able to meet people throughout the nation, and in some cases, throughout the world. Education really makes us all better.
