Name

Lauren Micheli

School

Walden University

Degree Program

First year Master of Education student with a specialization in Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Michigan University

Final Project

Portfolio

Research Interests

Reading diagnostics for elementary students

Advisor

Alex Janssen

Hobbies

Running, skiing, member of National Ski Patrol

Graduate School – Application Process

Why did you decide to pursue your masters online?

I decided to pursue my masters degree in education online because I work full time as a teacher. An online degree allows me to continue learning while I work.

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose Walden University for my online masters degree in education because I had heard great things about the program and the tuition costs are affordable. Reputation and affordability were the most important factors in my decision.

I decided to pursue a degree in education, in particular, because I wanted to be able to incorporate state-of-the-art knowledge in the classroom. Additionally, having a masters degree in education will increase my salary by about $2,000 every year. I consider my education as an investment and I can work toward paying it off with my salary.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

Overall, the best way that I prepared for graduate school was by taking my undergraduate education seriously. The classes that I took in my bachelors degree program prepared me for the expectations of graduate school. For instance, the analytical skills that I developed as an undergraduate have been a huge help in my graduate coursework, since much of it involves reading and interpreting information in my own way.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

No, I did not have to provide any standardized test scores. For my application, I only had to provide official transcripts from my undergraduate program and write a personal statement. That was it.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I wrote about why I think it is important and valuable to earn a masters degree. I also provided advice for others.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to an online graduate program in education?

My advice to other students who are thinking about applying to an online graduate program is to have the necessary data and documentation before you begin the process. In some cases, it can be time consuming to acquire your official transcripts or test scores.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My masters program in education at Walden University takes 2 years to complete. The curriculum is sent to my home and is also accessible online. The first and second year are very similar in terms of structure and requirements. The most noticeable exception is that we must compile a portfolio at the end of the second year.

The portfolio component showcases most of my assignments and argues for certain connections between artifacts and the nature of my degree. I didn't realize how intensive this component would be. It is not simply a compilation of my work. I am required to prove the ways in which my work is connected and rationally explain and justify those connections. In order to graduate, my entire portfolio has to be approved by my faculty.

Outside of the portfolio requirement, my coursework emphasizes evaluation and textual analysis. In many cases, our assignments involve interpreting information and making rational conclusions. Though much of what we learn is based on the individual interpretations we make from pre-selected primary texts, my curriculum also requires me to conduct independent research in order to complete certain assignments.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor was very helpful, even though he didn’t play a significant role in my education. When I was inquiring about the program, I was assigned an advisor. He called me several times and we talked over the phone. Mainly, he gave me advice about my studies. He continued to e-mail me throughout my first class to make sure I was adjusting to the online format.

How does your online masters program differ from your traditional undergraduate study?

I actually think that my undergraduate study was more difficult. At that level, I had trouble focusing on my studies and managing my time. Today, I practice better study habits and am able to use my time much more wisely.

Another difference between an undergraduate and graduate program is the classroom environment. In a graduate program, you are surrounded by individuals who have experience in the field. That experience provides you with a richer learning environment that incorporates practical knowledge. Most undergrads don't have real-world work experience.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

My masters program in education is on par with many graduate programs in terms of cost. My largest expenditure is definitely tuition. I don’t have many additional costs. I do not receive any financial aid or funding, so I am paying for my masters degree on my own.

Graduate School - Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in education?

During an average week, I devote 12 to 15 hours of my time to my graduate studies. A lot of that time goes into improving my portfolio. In fact, I spend as much if not more time constructing my portfolio than I do in my classes.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

At times, it can be tough to balance graduate school and personal life. I have had to take leaves of absence from my masters program because of my teaching responsibilities. My job is the most important thing in my life, so sometimes I am forced to give it priority.

It is very important to manage your time wisely in a graduate program. Not attending physical classes makes it easy to procrastinate, but you have to stay on top of your schedule. Even though I have greater focus at this level, I feel that time management remains a challenge. Having a career in addition to school forces me to really make the most of my time.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to still be teaching third grade elementary students. I want to continue to find new ways of incorporating technology into my classroom. My graduate program has already helped me in this endeavor. For example, I have learned how to include blogging as a class exercise.

In the future, I also hope to continue my own education either in academic programs or on my own.

Graduate School – Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing an online masters degree in education?

I advise students to manage their time wisely. This is especially true if they have careers. Balancing work and school life can be difficult, and it is very important for online graduate students to have their priorities in order.