Posted On
Share
Jaylee Hiersche ’24 had a great undergraduate experience learning to teach at the Emmanuel School of Education, and she’s building on that foundation through the Emmanuel Master of Education program.
Hiersche is pursuing a Master in Education with a Moderate Disabilities Certificate while teaching full-time. It’s a balancing act made easier by online courses designed to fit within her schedule, and Hiersche is already noticing benefits in the classroom.
“It’s been a great learning experience, and its really nice to apply what I’m learning in the classroom,” said Hiersche. “I feel as though my practice changes with each week that passes in the program.”
Hiersche is an English Second Language (ESL) teacher at the Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston. She was a double major in Education and English as an undergraduate, and enjoys how her current role combines those disciplines to help students learn English.
“It’s really interesting to see how fast these students pick up a second language,” said Hiersche. “It’s fascinating how smart they are.”
Creating vibrant learning communities and teaching for all students are central values for the Emmanuel School of Education, and the graduate program is deepening Hiersche’s knowledge of those techniques. She’s also learning about education beyond the classroom, with instruction focused on curriculum planning, how to engage with families and advocate for equity, and techniques for developing professional culture, ethics, and leadership.
“The Emmanuel master’s program is allowing me to think deeper about education,” said Hiersche. “I am no longer learning how to be a teacher, but rather how to use my profession to be a leader in my field.”
Hiersche is already licensed to teach English and ESL, and Moderate Disabilities will be her third add-on certificate. In addition to expanding her job qualifications, she’s learning to use Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as another tool to meet students where they’re at, sayings she’s interested in doing more in that space down the road.
In choosing a graduate school, Hiersche knew she wanted to take that next step at Emmanuel. She said the undergraduate program did a great job of preparing her with extensive time in the classroom.
“It was very hands-on, which was great,” she said. “I had so many hours of pre-practicum, which could feel demanding as a full-time student, but looking back on my career, I know it was helpful to be in the classroom as much as when I was at Emmanuel.”
The MEd program has also helped Hiersche maintain the connections that were forged as an undergrad.
“The School of Education is so kind and helpful,” she said. “They’re always there to listen to what’s going on with you. It’s like they are your number one fans.”
“I’ll have people who ask how things are going, and I’m like ‘how do remember that; you have like 100 students?” she added. “It feels like a very genuine connection, which you’re probably not going to get at a larger school.”