The TeachersCPED graduates are teachers who improve the lives of their students, the culture of their schools, and the development of their profession.Dr. Audrey Lingley
My EdD degree has helped me work with the teacher candidates as they explore theory-in-practice. Because of my EdD program, I possess scholarly knowledge of my field that is rooted in clinical experiences. My graduate classrooms resembled laboratories where novice and experienced teachers are encouraged to experiment with theory, philosophy, and pedagogy with the raw materials of personal educational experiences (themselves, their children), observations from their practicum experiences, and learning in community with each other. About AudreyAudrey Lingley is Clinical Teacher Education Faculty at Portland State University. She earned her EdD in Educational Leadership in 2013 from Portland State University. She pursued her degree after working as a teacher for eight years. She decided to pursue an EdD degree because of its hybrid emphasis on leadership, scholarship, and professional practice. She didn’t want a leadership-training certificate nor an advanced degree that prioritized scholarship over school-based practice. As a practitioner, she sought a scholarly experience that valued life in K-12 schools, since I hoped to strengthen my capacities for school-based leadership. Her EdD has helped her step into this role by providing her with patience, discipline, effective tools for advocacy, and an appreciation for research. Advice for Prospective EdD StudentsAudrey would encourage any future EdD students to find a school and program that respects and values K-12 school life and CPED’s framework. She suggests a program that focuses heavily on transactional and transformative theories. Dr. Ross J. Van Boven
The EdD has led me to become a stronger consumer of educational research, while subsequently putting research to use in my work. About RossRoss Van Boven is 6th and 7th Grade Learning Community Leader. Ross earned his EdD in Curriculum and Instruction in 2015 from the University of Florida. He chose an EdD degree because he wanted to improve his skills as an educator. The EdD helped him to become a stronger consumer of educational research, while subsequently putting this research to use to pursue change in his teaching context. Advice for Prospective EdD StudentsBegin a program if you want to dedicate time toward improving your understanding of education in a systematic way as it will provide meaningful connections to work in practice. Dr. Heather Harydzak
My EdD program has provided me with the professional tools needed to effectively assume increased leadership responsibilities within my school. For example, I’ve applied research abilities into my daily performance. About HeatherHeather Harydzak is a Special Education Teach and High School Coach. Heather earned her EdD in Professional Leadership-Special Education in 2014 from the University of Houston. She chose to pursue an EdD because of her desire to improve her knowledge, educational skill set, and push herself in her career. The program improved her knowledge of the field, critical thinking and research skills, professionalism, and ability to synthesize information. Advice for Prospective EdD StudentsYou can do it if you set your mind to it! Stay dedicated and think about what you want to do your thesis on early in the process of your degree so you can begin your project early. Dr. Jaime Linn Brown
The EdD has given me pathways to answer the call, uplift students, and ensure that they see themselves reflected in the environment, curriculum, and activities within my classroom. I now have a thirst for knowledge and continued research about growth as an Anti-bias educator in the visual arts. About JaimeJaime Linn Brown is an Artist Educator for 7th and 8th grade at the Centerville Middle School in Hempfield School District located in Lancaster, PA. Jaime earned her EdD in Transformational Teaching and Learning in 2020 from Kutztown University. Her lived experience inspired her to seek further education in Social Justice Education. The Transformational Teaching and Learning program provided her with the skills to foment positive change and use her voice to help others be heard. Advice for Prospective EdD StudentsTogether, let's find ways to dismantle this toxic system that creates cycles of heartache and pain through history. A chorus of voices needs to rise up, sing for change and amplify voices who are not heard -- will you sing along? |
