Meet Emily Satterfield (’19), a current preschool teacher at Novi Early Childhood Education Center.
As a graduate of an undergrad program at Concordia University Ann Arbor, what inspired you to return to Concordia for your graduate work?
My reason for returning to Concordia University was the knowledge that I would receive the same quality education that my undergrad afforded me. What I learned, with my years at Concordia, could not be measured and was based on a Christ-Centered education which was truly important to me. It was a not a hard decision to return to the same University where my love for teaching truly came alive. I built strong relationships with my professors, and I felt this connection would be a valuable part of my continuing education.
How has the master’s with teacher certification graduate program best prepared you to work with students in the classroom?
The master’s with teaching certification program has given me the best experience any university could have given me to succeed in the education world today. All of my professors and mentors at Concordia have shaped and molded me into the teacher I always knew I could and wanted to be. I didn’t want to be a good teacher or even a great teacher: I wanted to be the BEST. The courses were relevant, up-to-date and supported the top teaching strategies and pedagogy.
How has Concordia supported you in fulfilling your vocational calling?
Concordia’s commitment to building the best and most qualified teachers to serve in the community has shown me how using my gifts and passions to connect with my students is a life-long achievement. I am able to grow and expand my servant heart through teaching children and Concordia provided me the opportunities to better reach these passions.
What makes you an Uncommon educator?
I believe every student has the potential to be great! I teach students as if they are my own children. Their life is worth my time, and I strongly believe in creating authentic relationships with every student in my classroom. I am a dependable source of empathy and understanding. Students deserve a support system and I create a classroom environment that encompasses the true meaning of a “school family.” I encourage students every step of the way and I will always go the extra mile to help students whenever I can. Each and every day my goal is to make sure every child feels they are capable of achieving anything if they set their mind to it. They are champions!
Why should other Concordia graduates pursue this program?
Graduates choosing Concordia to complete the master’s program will find a program that challenges them with up-to-date strategies and teaching methods that are leading the next generation of teachers. Concordia uses their online classes to advance a student with in-depth classroom management, assessments, child development, differentiation, and so much more.
Each class focuses on the whole child and their individual learning needs and expands cultivate a learning environment that will support and engage all students. My situation has afforded me the opportunity to work in the classroom while earning my master’s degree. I am grateful for this program and to allow me to further my teaching.
Related: Learn more about the Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with Elementary Teacher Certification and Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with Secondary Teacher Certification programs.
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The School of Education offers program emphases in urban, international, and emerging education through four distinct undergraduate departments and eleven graduate programs.