Tell us about yourself.
My name is Carolyn Buckley and I just finished my first year with cohort two in the M.Ed. in Education, 5-12 program. I live in Greenfield, MA with my fiancé, Marcus, and two stepchildren, Trevor and Jacqueline, ages 15 and 13. I love to read, play Tetris, and travel. I am a sixth and seventh grade math teacher at Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School. Between working full-time and tutoring part-time, my family’s activities keep me busy. Trevor plays football and runs both winter and spring track and Jackie plays soccer and is on the cheer squad. My family is my biggest cheerleader; their support keeps me grounded and drives me to succeed.
Tell us about your educational background.
As an undergraduate at Fitchburg State, I was an early childhood education major. I wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl, but I quickly discovered that early childhood was not the right fit. In 2003, I graduated with my bachelor of science degree in mathematics. Unsure of what to do with my new degree, I started substitute teaching in several of our local schools. I loved working with the older students and accepted a position with Sylvan Learning Center as a math instructor. I went back to the classroom as a special education individual aide and moved to a classroom assistant position. I was encouraged by my special education supervisor to take the MTELs. I hold my provisional license in middle school math and taught for a year, on a waiver, in a middle school special education classroom. The following year, I joined Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School as a middle school math teacher and it has been the perfect fit.
Why did you choose the M.Ed. in Middle School Education (now M.Ed. in Education, 5 – 12, initial licensure) program at Fitchburg State?
I started looking at master’s programs to advance to my initial license. Since I completed my undergraduate work at the university, Fitchburg State was at the top of my list, but I didn’t know which avenue to pursue. Then, I received an email from the university about an upcoming webinar for the Middle School Education program. I attended the webinar and a live information session with Dr. Cortezia. He answered all of my questions and I applied the next day. I am very excited that this master’s program will certify me in grades five through twelve without having to take additional courses.
What do you like about the program?
I really like the cohort model. We only see each other in two face-to-face sessions per class, but we have connected through emails and text messages. The professors have created rich courses with a variety of challenging assignments. They are available through email and in person. I never feel like I am alone in the hybrid model! I also very much like that we are recognized for our accomplishments in the graduate program. Recently, several of us were inducted into Xi Psi, the Fitchburg State chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education.
Why should students choose Fitchburg State for their graduate education?
Fitchburg State University is known for its degree programs in education. This program has the perfect mix of classes focusing on student and family engagement, special education, content specific instruction, and literacy. The faculty and staff are always available and will support you every step of the way. I encourage you to pursue your M.Ed. in Education, 5-12 with Fitchburg State. The small class sizes in the cohort model makes it feel like family.
What advice do you have for working adult students seeking to go back to school?
Do it! It will be the best thing you can do for yourself. The hybrid program has been the perfect fit for me with a very busy family and a full-time job. Whether you are looking for an on campus or an online program, the university has many flexible options. Fitchburg State University offers a high-quality education, reasonable tuition, and a wonderful faculty. Don’t wait any longer!