Overcoming personal tragedies and academic setbacks, Brandon’s journey to becoming a master’s graduate and MTTC certified is a testament to his perseverance and commitment to education.
Brandon Crayne’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and faith in God. Graduating in 2020 and featured in the Uncommon Grad Stories series, he returned to Concordia University Ann Arbor in January 2023 for the third time to pursue a Master of Sciences in Curriculum and Instruction with K-12 Health and Physical Education and Special Education: Learning Disabilities certification.
His commitment to education and overcoming challenges is clear. After failing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification, MTTC, tests eight times during his undergraduate, he finally passed all three of his required tests showcasing his determination to make a meaningful impact in the field of education.
I just taught a kid who was 12 years old and could only read at a kindergarten level, and I was able to help him read at a third grade reading level at the end of the year. That is the stuff that reminds me that I can make a huge difference and impact on these students lives.
Brandon Crayne
Academic journey
Brandon was recruited to CUAA for track and football in 2013. However, a persistent foot and ankle injury two years later dampened his enthusiasm for college, leading him to leave and working as a hearing specialist for a mobile support clinic.
In July 2017, Brandon faced a series of personal tragedies: the deaths of his father, grandmother, and boss within 14 months. These losses, coupled with the end of his job, led him into depression. Despite these challenges, Brandon revived the pursuit of his teaching career in 2019, returning to CUAA without an athletic scholarship or familiar faces on campus. He graduated with an Educational Studies degree and immediately took a long-term substitute position in the Special Education department at Shumate Middle School, where he discovered his passion for Special Education.
Dr. Sara Clemm von Hohenberg, Dr. CvH, Director of the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with Elementary and Secondary Teacher Certification Program, played a pivotal role in Brandon’s journey. She informed him about CUAA’s master’s program, which required only a bachelor’s degree for admission. Now, Brandon is set to graduate with his master’s degree in December 2024 including dual Michigan Teacher Certifications. “The only thing I did different this time when I studied for the MTTC’s is I used the practice tests,” Brandon shared. “I passed all three on the first try, and I told myself I would not accept failure, which is why I succeeded this time around.”
A calling to Special Education
Brandon always aspired to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until 2020, during his student teaching, that he felt a calling to Special Education. Despite lacking experience, he embraced the role of a long-term substitute teacher in a Special Education class. “Being in that classroom with students who had different learning disabilities made me realize I really loved working with the students,” he said.
“I just taught a kid who was 12 years old and could only read at a kindergarten level, and I was able to help him read at a third grade reading level at the end of the year,” shared Brandon. “That is the stuff that reminds me that I can make a huge difference and impact on these students lives.
Balancing responsibilities
Throughout his time at CUAA, Brandon mastered time management. He juggled schoolwork, sports, and later, full-time jobs. Upon his return in 2019, he managed a 40-minute commute, a full-time job at Dunkin’ Donuts, and his coursework, often with minimal sleep. His final undergraduate semester, where he took eight classes and earned seven A’s and one B, exemplified his dedication.
Currently, Brandon navigates an even more demanding schedule, balancing his role as a full-time teacher, a weekend job at a gym, and his double certification program. He uses his phone to set reminders and create prioritized lists to manage his responsibilities effectively. “This year, in 2024, I have never been more focused. I prioritize everything and am getting it done successfully,” he explained. “I have been able to get A’s in both of my programs, which I am very proud of myself for doing as in the past I have usually gotten B’s or C’s.”
Importance of mental health
The losses of his father, grandmother, and boss within a short period led Brandon to struggle with depression. He realized the importance of acknowledging mental health issues. “I just learned that being vulnerable over the years and sharing with people about what I have gone through, like depression and anxiety,” Brandon said. “You become mentally stronger by talking about it.”
Brandon emphasized the importance of finding coping mechanisms that work for you. For him, the gym became an outlet for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being. “If I am ever in a situation where the gym is not helping, I will go see a therapist,” he explained. “I learned over the years that it is important to talk to someone, which can be scary.”
Why he chooses to come back
A mentor’s influence
A pivotal figure in Brandon’s life was Dr. CvH, who transformed from a mentor to a second mother and friend. She knew exactly how to push Brandon to succeed. “Her expectations were high, but realistic because she knew what I was capable of before I knew what I was capable of,” he recalled.
Dr. CvH’s influence was crucial during Brandon’s undergraduate years, and once again she is back in a role where she can support him. Throughout his years at CUAA, she has been there to lend a helping hand.
Feeling accepted
Brandon’s experience at CUAA has been marked by acceptance and support. Despite being older than most students when he returned in 2019, he felt welcomed. “I never met anyone that made me feel different because I was older than most of the students, and I think it is because of the culture on campus,” Brandon said. “On campus, it is not accepted to bully people, and I’m 100% behind that.”
It is never too late to chase your dreams. Brandon never stopped believing that he was meant to be a teacher. Despite the challenges and detours that life threw his way, his passion for education and his desire to make a difference in the lives of students never waned. He knew that his true calling was in the classroom, inspiring young minds and nurturing their potential. Through perseverance and dedication, Brandon ultimately achieved his dream, proving that unwavering belief and hard work can turn aspirations into reality.
Want in?
Interested in a shift in your career? Concordia’s teacher certification program allows you to earn your Teacher Certification in elementary or secondary education. Our flexible post-baccalaureate program makes it so you can continue working while completing your coursework, with the flexibility to complete student teaching at a school local to you. Combining your teaching certification with a master’s in curriculum instruction (MSCI) can set you apart in the field, with an added bonus of being eligible for financial aid!
Concordia’s special education program offers two faith-based pathways for k-12 educators interested in adding on an endorsement in special education to their elementary or secondary teaching certificate. Our learning disabilities program is offered fully online through convenient eight-week courses, so you can continue to work while you learn.
—This story is written by Keara Chaperon, Social Media Manager for Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia University Wisconsin. She may be reached at keara.chaperon@cuaa.edu.