Any teacher will tell you the landscape of education is evolving, with developments in technology and pedagogical techniques constantly advancing the field. Long Island teacher Amy Samson knew that even with over 25 years of experience, she had more to learn. As she put it, “There’s always something new.”
“I always say any teacher who doesn’t keep on learning, doesn’t keep up with what’s going on, is kind of staying stagnant,” Amy said. “That doesn’t help the class.”
It had been a career goal of Amy’s to earn her elementary education master’s degree, and that’s what she set out to accomplish with the University of Mount Saint Vincent: Amy is a 2025 graduate of the MS in Childhood Education (Grades 1 Through 6) and Special Education (All Grades Pre-K Through 12) Dual Certification online program.
“This has changed my life completely,” she said. “There has not been a day that has gone by that I have not thought about doing this. This is what’s been missing, and it’s been so rewarding. It’s been so much fun.”
Amy appreciated how she could apply what she learned in her online program to her own practice immediately, enhancing her ability to reach students wherever they were academically. She particularly benefited from the emphasis on incorporating standards when creating specialized lesson plans for learners and now feels confident doing so for all her students, no matter their learning styles or what challenges they face.
For someone who loves leading a classroom as much as Amy, the UMSV elementary education degree online program was inspiring.
“A lot of the courses weren’t about teaching inside a textbook,” she said. “They were teaching us how to go out and make it a little more fun, different ways to teach it and different skills to teach, especially since not all students learn the same.”
Amy’s professors were quick to answer her calls and emails any time she sought clarification in her coursework. Throughout her journey toward earning the online elementary education master’s, faculty members called to check on her progress and make sure she had what she needed to succeed.
“They’re always there, so you don’t feel like you’re all by yourself, even though it’s completely online,” Amy said.
As rigorous as the dual certification in elementary and special education curriculum was, the flexible format allowed her to complete the program without interrupting her teaching.
“I worked the entire time, teaching full time [while] I was in the program, and it just worked,” she said. “I was in school from eight to four, went home, did my work, went on my classes, did my classes on the weekend, and I was able to do it. I was able to manage it very easily.”
Advance Your Education Career and Impact the Next Generation of Learners
An online education master’s degree or graduate certificate program from UMSV offers modern tools and strategies that can help you become more effective and resilient in the classroom as well as develop your leadership skills for higher-level positions in school administration, curriculum design, or educational consulting.
Tailor a program to your goals and strengths by choosing from multiple specializations ranging from early childhood education through grade 12, including special education; teaching English to speakers of other languages; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The courses may not be in person, but the faculty-student relationships and support at Mount Saint Vincent are personalized to your needs. Small class sizes foster one-on-one attention and provide opportunities to build valuable networking connections online with fellow educators.
With multiple start dates, affordable tuition, and 100% online coursework, these flexible programs are designed to meet the needs of working adults. Both seasoned educators and professionals seeking a transition into the field will benefit from real classroom student teaching experience. No teaching license is required to apply, and you will graduate prepared to sit for license and certification exams.
Why Choose an Education Program at Mount Saint Vincent Online?
Academic Excellence: The Mount is renowned for rigorous academic programs led by faculty experts.
Small Class Sizes: Benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio that encourages personalized attention, allowing you to engage with professors and receive individualized support.
Affordable Education: Competitive tuition rates, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities make a high-quality private education accessible.
Internship and Career Opportunities: With its location in New York City, Mount Saint Vincent offers students a wealth of internship, research, and networking opportunities.
Strong Alumni Network: Take advantage of valuable connections and mentorship opportunities that can offer a leg up in your career.
Comprehensive Support Services: The Mount provides dedicated resources for academic advising, career guidance, and wellness support to online students, ensuring you have the tools to succeed.
