Stories

The Mathematics Leadership Program has provided me with the knowledge and skills needed to become a math leader. By completing this program, I have been given opportunities to continue to build my leadership skills and offered several new and exciting roles and duties at my school. I am now currently receiving my Administration certificate.

I had never thought about being anything but a classroom teacher; yet after years of experience, I considered becoming a reading specialist. This led me to Notre Dame’s Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Program, where I learned that I could also be a teacher of teachers. Reaching teachers is reaching students, and isn’t that why we all entered this profession?

The last few classes in my program really enabled me to feel successful as a reading teacher. Through experiences and case studies with students, I was able to see the benefits of my instruction and interventions. I found that I really enjoy providing professional development to colleagues. As I end this program, I feel assured in furthering my career as a Reading Specialist or Literacy Coach. I believe I am well prepared and knowledgeable in the existing field of literacy instruction.

Notre Dame of Maryland University has equipped me to be an effective reading specialist by the rigorous instruction and guidance that I received during my course of study. I learned current theories and practices from both my professors and my peers.

The STEM program at Notre Dame has made a life changing impact on my teaching and learning. I enrolled in the program with limited knowledge of what STEM is and now I’m able to support others in my school where needed. The best part of my experiences were constant hands-on learning opportunities and building long lasting relationships with my teachers and peers. It has enabled me, coached me, and given me the confidence to incorporate STEM in my classroom. I’m a proud alumni of this program at NDMU.

The STEM program at Notre Dame gave me the content knowledge and confidence I needed to create authentic experiences for my students. Now, I am able to capitalize on my creativity and passion for developing meaningful learning opportunities in the early childhood setting. I have also taken on multiple leadership roles in Baltimore City Schools by creating professional development and curriculum for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers. Currently, I am collaborating with other educators by presenting at conferences such as MAEOE and working with my team on a special 100Kin10 project.

The Cultural Proficiency Leadership Endorsement Program at NDMU is one of the few educational programs throughout years of professional development that actually transformed the way I look at education, especially as it relates to my role as an educator. We formed a partnership in this program; we developed an energy of mutual understanding where we could individually reflect, yet collectively challenge and grow in our personal and professional lives as it relates to our impact on the diverse identities of our students and our society. The coursework allowed me to transcend beyond the writing on the wall in order to question the institutionalized structures that mask reality and limit the success of our students in public school education. This program will change much more than your perspective, it will change your purpose.

The Cultural Proficiency Master’s Program has given me new life: pedagogical knowledge, intellectual discourse, and current research tools to prepare me to become a ‘Cultural Race Theorist.’ I’ve gained a greater level of appreciation and understanding of myself and others.

Not only has my understanding of STEM grown from micro to macro, but this program has empowered me to be better and do better as an educator in general. In addition, by completing this program, I now have the knowledge base and skills required to lead my colleagues in delivering highly effective STEM lessons which will in turn help to build productive 21st century citizens.

I cannot say enough about how satisfied I am with the Notre Dame of Maryland University STEM Certification program. I had completed a master’s degree and considered myself a seasoned teacher before entering the program. However, it was not until the final class, where we reflected upon our experience and personal pedagogies, that I truly understood my purpose, direction, and goals as an educator. STEM is so much more than Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It is the universal framework we use to understand, communicate, and create knowledge.