In March, Averett Online’s M.Ed. program welcomed twelve teachers from Petersburg City Public Schools, who are excited for the opportunity to learn new skills to support K-12 students and adding an endorsement to their teaching license. The cohort includes: Kara Ingram, Sheila Mosby, Shanna Finklin, Patrice Godbolt, Morgan Wolfe, Kathleen Drummond, Erin Coleman, Deborah Spear, Kelly Nix, Alyssa Burke, Courtnee Austin, and Michael McKenzie.

These fantastic teachers were formally welcomed into the program by Averett President, Dr. Tiffany Franks and Superintendent of Petersburg City Public Schools, Dr. Marie Pitre-Martin during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, March 23.Ěý

The majority of the Petersburg Cohort are pursuing a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, which leads to a math specialist endorsement or they are pursing a M.Ed. – Reading Specialist Endorsement. However, there are a few who are taking the reading specialist endorsement courses only.Ěý

In addition to the endorsement programs, Petersburg teachers in the reading specialist program will also be eligible to obtain an endorsement for an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. The coursework prepares licensed teachers to take the ESOL Praxis, an ESL endorsement option currently honored by the Virginia Department of Education.

In addition to the above mentioned programs, Averett Online also offers master’s and endorsement coursework in:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Gifted EducationĚý
• Administration and Supervision,
• Educational Foundations, and
• Special EducationĚý

To learn more about Averett’s M.Ed. programs click here.Ěý

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I had several favorite things about Averett. I liked living on campus even though I lived in Danville. The small classes allowed me to talk directly to the instructors, and gained one-on-one attention in my studies. Also, the family-like atmosphere of Averett made it feel like I was at home. -Connie Jennings, BA’82, MBA’07, M.Ed.’08

Connie Jennings is a three time Averett graduate. She chose Averett for its Theatre department, and Ms. Betty Smith. Ms. Smith was one of Averett’s acting, directing, and public speaking professors at the time of Connie’s enrollment. She was also an one-act theatre judge for a play Connie performed in. After seeing Connie perform in a play, Ms. Smith encouraged her to attend Averett.

Connie’s undergraduate degree in English and Theatre has helped her to obtain teaching positions at George Washington High School. Her additional graduate level degrees have helped to excel her career even more, and gave her personal satisfaction along the way.

We asked Connie what her advice was for someone debating going back to school, and she said “I would tell them to go. One of my favorite quotes is by the late blues singer, B. B. King who said, “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it from you.”

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My name is Kristin Lamarra. I have been an employee of Prince William County Schools since 2013. Next year I will be teaching 7^th grade Mathematics for Students with Learning Disabilities. In the past I have taught 6^th for Students with Autism, and 6^th grade Mathematics for Students with Learning Disabilities.

I graduated from Millersville University (2009) with my B.S. in Elementary Education. I graduated from Arcadia University (2012) with my M.Ed in Special Education.

I am married and have a 2-year-old son, and a dog. I enjoy cooking, baking, crafting and just being outside with my family.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at 91żě˛Ą?

My principal at my last school, and mentor through this program, has been a true motivation to me. She gave me the last shove to finally start looking at programs. I always knew that I wanted to go into Administration because I felt as though I could have a bigger impact on kids. I consider myself to be a true advocate for children, and want all the students I come in contact with to have access to the education they deserve.

Why did you choose 91żě˛Ąâ€™s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

Averett’s program was attractive to me because it was all online and I still got the course work I needed to pursue a career in Administration. This program has allowed me to go to school and still focus on my career and my family.

How has your degree from 91żě˛Ą assisted you in your career?

I haven’t received it yet. But, going through the program, I have been able to meet and talk with people in my county I wouldn’t have been able to.

The hands-on experience of this program has helped me to learn so much.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in 91żě˛Ąâ€™s GPS Program?

The GPS program is designed for those who are self-motivated. We have several instructors who have been wonderful, supportive motivators. This program fit me perfectly because I am self-motivated and like having control over my education. Also, if you have a question, ask! If something isn’t fitting you, as a student, there are plenty of people willing to help.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

ĚýMy students, my family, my desire to improve myself.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

91żě˛Ą, December 2018

Learn about our M.Ed. Programs

Download M.Ed. Requirements

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Hi! My name is Susie Milam and I am excited to pursue my degree in educational administration and supervision through the GPS program here at Averett. I have been teaching for eleven years, all of which have been with Halifax County Public Schools. I began my career teaching fourth grade before moving to third grade, and now currently I am a Gifted Specialist serving elementary students in grades K through five. I absolutely love working with the children; it is such an amazing experience to witness the students’ knowledge and their love for learning to grow every day.

Outside of work, I have two precious sons, Ryder who is eight and Maddox who is almost five. They keep both my husband, Jonathon, and myself on our toes at all times. I say Ryder has my over-analyzing personality, while Maddox enjoys a more relaxed and “free-spirited” style. I love to watch both of my children play sports; sometimes it feels like we live at the baseball field or basketball court, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! In my remaining free time, I love to read and travel…or just anything outside with friends and family.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at 91żě˛Ą? ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý

When I graduated from Radford University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, I was eager to return home to South Boston. I married quickly after graduation, and then started teaching that very same year. It was always my goal to go back to school and obtain my master’s degree, but life and kids happened. I eventually attended Averett to earn my endorsement in gifted education, but still no master’s degree. After studying and reviewing the plan that the GPS program offered, I knew this would be the right path for me. Becoming an administrator within the school system has always been a passion and goal of mine; and now, with my degree almost complete, I am one step closer to making it a reality.

Why did you choose 91żě˛Ąâ€™s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

The GPS program has given me the opportunity to work full time, be a mom, and to pursue my own dreams in a way that fits my schedule. The staff and overall program have been wonderful to work with. I am so thrilled that I made this decision; I’ve gained an abundance of new information and made some amazing new friends along the way. Thanks for the wonderful experience, Averett!

The GPS program has given me the opportunity to work full time, be a mom, and to pursue my own dreams in a way that fits my schedule.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

Here’s to graduation in May 2018!

Learn about our M.Ed. Programs

Download M.Ed. Requirements

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My school administration expressed that they would like for me to consider moving into an administration position. I would need the credentials in order for this to become a possible reality.

Why did you choose Averett’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program?

I appreciated the customer service that I received from Andrea, in the Chesapeake office, as I was trying to make a decision about which college to attend. I was also impressed with the course offerings.

Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:

Be encouraged to embrace every aspect of learning, no matter what! Each leg of your journey will offer essential opportunities for developing deeper insights about oneself and well as your course content.

What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?

Being a good example for my students motivates me while I am in this program. They are aware of my progress/journey along the way and they always ask how I am doing in school (just like I ask them!).

What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?

My anticipated date of graduation is December 2017.

“When you love what you do, you give it your all.” ~ Toney

Dr. McNairĚýwas recently named Chesapeake’s Teacher of the Year and Virginia’s Teacher of the Year!

Dr. McNair, you are an inspiration to all of us here at Averett, and it is a true honor to have you as a member of the Averett Family! Congratulations on all of your success, and thank you for allowing us the privilege to share this journey with you.

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