December 24, 2023
A native of Lucasville, Ohio, Kayla Conaway graduated from Shawnee State University with her bachelor’s degree in Education in 2015. 5 years later, she decided to return to her alma mater to obtain her Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, graduating from the program in 2022.
“This program helped me further my career by allowing me to have a better understanding of student learning,” Conaway said. “When you go for your master’s you, more than likely, have been in the profession for at least a couple years and you go into the learning for a deeper understanding. I feel that is what the Curriculum & Instruction program did for me.”
Conaway is a kindergarten teacher at Portsmouth City Schools, using her education from SSU to instruct the young minds of the region. She believes that the academic experience SSU offers is the reason she can be the best teacher for her students.
“I have no doubt in my mind that if I emailed a professor about a question or a theory that has hit the education world, I would get not only a response but an in-depth explanation within a few days,” she said. “I feel that something like that is priceless in the world of teaching today.”
The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction is designed to meet the professional development needs of teachers by providing them with an advanced professional degree that will enhance their teaching knowledge, skills, experiences, and dispositions. Through small class sizes and responsive faculty, Conaway was able to obtain a deep learning experience that is unique to SSU.
“There is no doubt in my mind that if I needed a resource or advice on something a professor or administrative member would answer within the week,” she said. “In a sense, I have an extended work family and network to be the best teacher for my students.”
To learn more about the Master of Education programs at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/graduate-school/master-education.