STUDENT PROFILE

MANUEL'S PROFILE

Manuel has taught fourth grade for the past eight years in a rural school in Arizona and wants to expand beyond his classroom responsibilities. However, he is not sure he wants to become a principal. Although a graduate of the University of Arizona, he is too far from that school or any other colleges or universities in Arizona to attend them at night.  Also, he coaches a softball team in the spring, thus does not want to take courses during that time.

Because e-tuition is now available, Manuel can pay in-state tuition rates and is thus able to pursue an out-of-state degree from the highly affordable University of Illinois at Springfield.  Manuel is thrilled to be earning his degree from a school outside the state he lives in, as it will expose him to a greater variety of teaching methods and cultures.  Manuel is interested in examining the possibility of Master Teaching Certification, but isn't sure he is ready. He does not have a computer in his home, but can use the one at school during evenings and other 'off' hours. He is not comfortable with the Internet at all.

His plan:

Manuel is looking for a degree that will be challenging and yet reasonable to obtain. Since he is uncomfortable with the Internet, he should start with courses that he can utilize immediately, and then grow from there. Because the framework of the degree is placed on the NBPTS criteria for the Master Teaching Certification, Manuel can regularly review his progress and decide later if he wants to apply for the Certification. His second course, Technology Strategies for Teachers, was designed specifically to help new students learn the value of technology and online learning.

Susan | Ning | Tonya | Manuel | Dave

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