Many teachers at PHS looking to “master” their profession

by Chelsie Darrow

Pittsford Area Schools is proud of its teachers that are pursuing further schooling to better their effect on their classrooms. Some of the teachers doing so are Mr. Burger, Mr. Clark, Mr. Hoover, Mr. Cushman, Mrs. Sanford and Mrs. Mallar.
These teachers are pursuing the degree for a couple of different reasons; a primary one is because it will make them better teachers. They also do this so they can learn more techniques to use in the classroom for more efficient teaching methods. It will also update the teachers on new curriculums, because when you don’t, you get behind on the new teachings. The most important reason is that continuing education hours are required, so it makes sense to pursue a master’s anyways.

The further schooling will directly benefit the students. “Directly my students will benefit because I will have increased expertise on my field, and I’ll benefit because I’ll be better compensated,” stated Mr. Burger. It will also benefit the teachers in that they will have increased knowledge. The teachers pursuing the master’s degree have already learned tons of new things they have been using in their classrooms.

Most teachers are taking their classes online, while some teachers prefer to pursue their education old school on campus. Teachers such as Mr. Burger are taking classes at Spring Arbor University, or Mr. Clark at Eastern Michigan University, whereas teachers like Mrs. Sanford and Mrs. Mallar prefer all online classes such as the ones at Marygrove College.

The master’s degree program has helped many teachers become better at what they do in many ways such as helping develop a network between teachers here and in other school districts that are also taking these classes. Another reason for taking these classes is when they retire from teaching in an elementary, middle, or high school they can move up and teach at a college level.

How, you may ask, do the teachers juggle being with their family, teaching, coaching or other extra activities, all while attending college? Everything depends on if you can make the time, because if something’s important enough you will make the time for it. Mr. Clark has a grasp on what really gets you through it. “You make time for the things that are important to you and your family, then the time you have left you prioritize and do the best you can do with the time that you have.”

We should be glad that so many of our teachers are continuing their education in an effort to do as good a job as they can for us students.