Read about the Ohio State University at Newark M.A. and M.Ed. from our graduates! Here they talk about their experience in the programs, their preparation, and their work with faculty instructors and advisors.
Have an experience of your own? Contact Dr. Diana Erchick.
- Debbie Losch, M.A.
- Paula J. Dycus, M.A.
- Linda Miller, M.A.
- Glenda Reynolds, M.A.
- Janice Coffee, M.Ed.
- Mary Clare Kessler, M.Ed.
- Jacquie Hurwitz, M.Ed.
- Dawn Dodson, M.Ed.
- Jada C. (Heflin) Jackson, M.Ed., Ph.D.
- Tatyana Kleyn, M.Ed., Ph.D.
- Michelle Clark, M.Ed.
- Adam Britton, M.Ed.
- Samantha (Flinn) Stover, M.Ed.
The Ohio State University at Newark M.A. program was a wonderful experience for me. The class sizes are smaller which gives each student opportunities to ask questions and grow in their knowledge of each subject. I was impressed by the professionalism and teaching styles of the professors there. Each professor had real experiences outside of the campus and in real classroom situations. What I gained was not just book knowledge, but real hands on ideas that I was able to take into my classroom. My own children benefited from my studies as well as my students. Teachers were asking me where I learned techniques that brought students test scores up as well as regular class work. When I asked Dr. Erchick to come and teach my colleagues on Cognitive Guided Instruction in math, she came eagerly. The knowledge and resources don't just stop when you graduate, the connections continue on for a lifetime.
Debbie Losch, M.A.
Ohio State Newark graduate, 2004
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The M.A. program at The Ohio State University at Newark offered me the opportunity I needed to meet my career goals as an educator. I was not sure I would be able to handle a full time career and complete my master's degree at the same time, but the small class size and availability of the professor created an atmosphere for success. Not only did I earn a master's degree but also gained a support system from colleagues in the program. Perhaps a final benefit from the program is strategies I learned and developed that will help me be more effective in the classroom.
Paula J. Dycus, M.A.
Ohio State Newark Graduate, 2005
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After getting my bachelor's degree in 1970 and then returning in 2002 to pursue my M.A., I felt that the reality of my choice was a big, somewhat frightening step for me. I am happy to say that I found the experience at The Ohio State University at Newark to be supportive and encouraging during the four years that I spent in the program. I was also able to pursue my interests and could choose courses along with the required courses for the program.
I found that each course helped me learn how to research, and to write and think in logical and progressive ways. When it was time to complete the final project, I felt ready and able to start and finish it with confidence. My advisor was always very supportive and gave the necessary help without overwhelming me with what needed to be done. She made the final project a growing experience with less stress and more of an opportunity to learn and reflect on what it all meant to my teaching and my students' learning.
I am very proud to say that I received my M.A. from Ohio State Newark and am very proud of what I accomplished during the time that I was there.
Linda Miller, M.A.
Ohio State Newark Graduate, 2006
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My experience overall has been one of personal challenge. The coursework has exposed me to the latest research in education and kept me current in my professional life as a first and second grade teacher. The coursework enabled me to reflect very deeply about my philosophy of education and apply what I learned in the classroom. The program is inquiry based, which developed my critical thinking skills. My M.A. degree from the Ohio State University involved time and dedication to the field of education, and will be invaluable in my professional status as a master teacher.
Glenda Reynolds
Ohio State Newark M.A., 2008
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As an alumni of The Ohio State University at Newark I am proud to say I have truly been touched by the experience. Due to the small classes, quality education, supportive and knowledgeable staff I was prepared with all of the tools I needed to become a successful educator.
I have been teaching for nine years in the Columbus Public School district and I am always given exemplary evaluations and positive comments in all areas of my career. I accredit that to my solid educational foundation that I received attending Ohio State Newark.
The professors are up to date educationally, skilled, solid, supportive and encouraged me not only academically but professionally as well. The professors added such a personal touch to my education that throughout my career, I have stayed in contact by asking questions or just touching base. The experience I received was truly unique and memorable. I feel honored to say I received my Master's of Education from The Ohio State University at Newark.
Janice Coffee, M.Ed.
Ohio State Newark, Class of 1998
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It was the perfect place for me. I felt that I really became a better learner. That skill has undoubtedly helped me as an educator. I had the academic career I had been waiting for. The professors were more than willing to help. Whether it was a chat after class, online, or on the phone, I was never pushed aside. I had relationships with my professors (and still do) that are very valuable. I felt that they brought out the student and teacher in me. Nothing can prepare you for what happens on your very first day of school. However, I feel that The Ohio State University at Newark provided experiences for me that shaped my career, and eventually led to my first job. I left Ohio State Newark with classroom experience, professional experience, and life experience.
Mary Clare Kessler, M.Ed.
Class of 2005
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I was honored to take part in The Ohio State University at Newark's M.Ed. program. It had been recommended to me because of its high national ranking within the education field. I found the faculty and staff to be extraordinarily professional, yet nurturing. I found the curriculum to be comprehensive as well as cutting edge. Not only did it prepare me for teaching, but the field work provided a broad enough base to give focus to my career desires. Serving to launch me into teaching, the M.Ed.'s Socratic program inspired life-long learning and, as I have continued to take classes and research various areas of interest, the faculty has maintained both their support and collaboration.
Jacquie Hurwitz, M.Ed.
Class of 1999
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My academic experience with the education department at The Ohio State University at Newark exceeded my expectations of receiving support and guidance from experienced, quality professionals. During my time as a Master's of Education student, I was given individualized attention with my career as the focus of classes and advisory meetings. Furthermore, each professor consistently gave his or her time, energy, and support in order to develop my skills and abilities as a teacher. I not only received individualized attention in a small campus atmosphere, but I enjoyed having access to the resources and technology of a large university.
At the conclusion of my Master's of Education experience I was a confident, well prepared beginning teacher. The program helped me to build a foundation of knowledge, skills, and strategies that equipped me to handle a variety of learners and situations. I readily recommend The Ohio State University at Newark's Maste'sr of Education program to any educator that wishes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of all students.
Dawn Dodson, M.Ed.
Ohio State Newark, Class of 2005
Recipient of the 2006-2007 "You Made a Difference" Award, Johnstown-Monroe Local Schools
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After earning two degrees at The Ohio State University at Columbus, I entered a different world when I came to the Newark campus. The M.Ed. program at the Newark campus gave me the individualized attention that I needed to be successful in the classroom. Having been used to navigating for myself while on Columbus campus, it was rewarding to be a part of a smaller, more supportive community.
The M.Ed. program itself offered a very well-rounded experience. I was exposed to new ideas grounded in a trusted, child-centered approach that has benefited me as a classroom teacher. Choosing education as a career partially because of my love of learning, I learned the theory behind how children learn best and this foundation has made me a better teacher. I had a strong sense of what to expect in the classroom and I was ready for the rigors of teaching everyday and how to navigate the bureaucracy and the realities of working with children and their families.
The faculty support in the M.Ed. program was wonderful, both during the program and since I graduated. The professors took a personal interest in me as a student and as a professional. I was able to get my questions answered; even when my questions strayed away from the syllabus. The learning environment was flexible enough that my learning needs were always met, and I almost always had a need that was “outside of the box”. Dr. Erchick even met with us, as first-year teachers, to give us encouragement and scaffolding as we found our footing in our own classrooms. Most recently, Dr. Erchick celebrated with me after I defended my dissertation. Looking back on my time at The Ohio State University at Newark, I could not have made a better choice when deciding where to study.
Jada C. (Heflin) Jackson, Ph.D.
M.Ed. Class of 1997
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Before I got my own classroom I remember hearing about how the first year of teaching is often a disaster. However, my first teaching assignment in a 3rd grade elementary school in Honduras was a wonderful experience that reflects the high level of preparation I received throughout my M.Ed. elementary education program at The Ohio State University at Newark. During that M.Ed. year I was able to apply different strategies I learned in my courses, including writing portfolios, cognitively guided math instruction, integration across content areas and interactive bulletin boards. The comprehensive courses coupled with extensive classroom experiences in diverse settings and student teaching truly prepared me for teaching, from the very first day.
One of the most valuable experiences in the program was the creation of a professional teaching portfolio. It made me think carefully about who I was as an educator and helped me attain teaching positions abroad and in the U.S. As an assistant professor who now works with student teachers, I still use my portfolio that I created nearly 10 years ago at Ohio State Newark, and have updated throughout my career, as a model for the bilingual teacher candidates I work with.
The combination of rigorous coursework, real-life experiences in schools and knowledgeable and caring faculty creates the perfect environment for professional growth. My overall experience at Ohio State Newark provided me with a space to question, learn and experiment. I am grateful for the strong foundation I developed and continue to build upon as an educator.
Tatyana Kleyn, Ph.D.
M.Ed. Class of 1997
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The Ohio State University at Newark was the best choice I could have made to complete my education degree. Under the tutelage of the professional and caring staff, the M.Ed. program has given me the educational expertise, current research and practices, resources, and in-field experiences that have have paid off tremendously in my teaching career. Thanks Ohio State Newark--I have been more than well-prepared!
Michelle Clark, M.Ed.
M.Ed. Class of 2008
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The M.Ed. program at The Ohio State University at Newark did well in preparing me for entering education. The faculty helped me prepare a resume and get ready for interviews. The program helped me greatly in being ready for the first year of teaching. I felt incredibly well prepared for the PRAXIS evaluations. The program helped me to be a confident teacher.
Adam Britton, M.Ed.
M.Ed. Class of 2005
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Testimonial: Attending The Ohio State University at Newark Master's of Education program prepared me more than ever for teaching second grade!! Not only is the program hands-on and gives you many tools for teaching in the real world, but the professors are excellent role models and leaders in motivating and challenging us to become the teachers we all strive to be! The program forces you to think and become an independent learner and thinker while forming the teacher YOU want to become, rather than the cookie cutter teacher everyone else is!! I was a long term sub last year and when the former principal heard I was educated in Literacy Collaborative from specifically Ohio State Newark, she was confident in my teaching abilities right from the start. Many times I have veteran teachers asking ME questions about literacy and it makes me realize how much we learned from our program and how much it prepared us for the teaching profession!! It was a lot of hard work but completely worth every minute!!
Samantha (Flinn) Stover, M.Ed.
M.Ed. Class of 2005