Secondary Education Student Testimonials
How Saint Joseph's University Has Made a Difference in My Life.
"When people ask where I go to school, I can't help but smile when I say, "St. Joe's!" Saint Joseph's University is more than just a school to me. From my days as an undergraduate, to my current graduate studies, St. Joe's has been a constant positive and motivating force in my life. From a timid and unsure Freshman, to a confident and transformed Senior, the four years I spent as a college student at St. Joe's were the best years of my life. Was everyday perfect? No. But everyday was an opportunity to learn; inside and outside of the classroom. When I decided to pursue Graduate School for Secondary Education, I looked no further than St. Joe's. It was an uphill climb, but I never once doubted myself. I was determined. The support and encouragement I received from the faculty at St. Joe's (both past and present), means more to me than I can ever express. Their unfailing dedication and belief in their students, is what makes St. Joe's stand above the rest. I am continually inspired by the St. Joseph's community, and I will work tirelessly to inspire my future students in the same ways. Thank you SJU, for believing in me."
— Catherine Zickel
MS in Secondary Education program
How Saint Joseph's University Changed My Life.
"My daughters were born in 1992 and 1993 and I do not remember when I first attended a back to school night and wished I were on the teacher side of the desk. I know it was some years ago because I do remember that I was sitting in a very small chair in close proximity to another parent in a similarly small chair and we had to try hard not to touch knees! I was working in New York City, commuting two hours each way every day, working a 50 or 60 hour work week and doing some traveling. I did not think it would be possible to keep working until I was qualified to switch careers from retail and eCommerce to teaching. The online OATCERT program at St. Joe's gave me the opportunity to do so. I researched other programs and alternative methods to teaching but felt that St. Joe's placed the right emphasis on training me how to teach as well as the online flexibility. I have not been disappointed. I enjoyed my technology and education class because it taught me how to apply some of the skills that I had learned as a VP of eCommerce to my new endeavors. I enjoyed my Psychology and Special Education classes because they opened my mind to new ideas about how people think and learn. My history class taught me to examine my preconceptions and biases about our educational system. I was nervous at first about going to school online. I graduated from Yale in 1984 and the internet was not a factor. The professors have been very involved and supportive and the interaction with the other students is just as rewarding as face to face classroom time. Going to school online has forced me to think deeply about what I communicate because the communication is all written. I find that this makes for a rich learning experience. I am so much happier now that I am close to my goal of teaching and I am so much happier now that I am growing intellectually."
— Hilary Donahue
MS in Secondary Education program
How Saint Joseph's University Has Helped Me Reach My Goals.
"I began my undergraduate study at another institution studying biology with the aspirations of medical school. When I decided during my senior year that medical school was not for me, I decided the best way to use what I have learned would be in education. I wanted to become the best teacher I could be. Since I had no previous education classes, finding a program that would allow me to become a certified teacher as well as complete a Masters Degree was a difficult task. Most schools I found did not have very good reputations or reciprocity with other states. I found Saint Joseph's University, which has reciprocity with many states regarding teaching certification and a phenomenal reputation. St. Joseph's also offers the program online, which allows me to work in a school gaining experience as well as take courses. I was unsure if online education was for me, however the teacher interaction with students is just as beneficial as being in a classroom, if not more. My professors have gotten to know me more then they would if they saw me sitting in a classroom. Also, there is much greater student-to-student interaction. Students discuss teaching strategies and lessons they have tried and may have been great or what they could change to make them better. These interactions have allowed me to form very good lesson plans for my classroom. This year is my last year as a graduate student at St. Josephs. I am currently teaching in my own classroom and have been given all necessary tools to be the best teacher I can. My students may not remember my name or what I look like, but I want them to remember how I have changed their lives and given them the ability to succeed in school. St. Josephs has given me the opportunity to do this."
— Jacqueline Donnelly
May 2011 graduate, Online Accelerated Teacher Certification program
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