Megan Carnes graduated from Avila with her BA and decided to return to earn her teaching certification and Master of Arts in Education. “Avila’s program is an undiscovered gem in the metro area,” said Carnes.
Carnes is now a Journalism teacher at Park Hill High School in the Park Hill School District.
“I have received several compliments throughout my tenure, especially during student teaching. Avila graduates stick out due to their professionalism and knowledge”
“I was aware of the exceptional reputation that Avila has and was confident that obtaining my degree from Avila would make me a more competitive teaching candidate for hire.”
Burham graduated in 2019 with her Master of Arts in Education and now teaches Social Studies at Grandview High School.
What would you tell a friend who is considering a similar career path about Avila’s program?
The one-on-one attention you can get at Avila is crucial. I have professors who are experts in the field that are there for me years after I graduated. They have expanded their course offerings as well as taken on new initiatives to get feedback on how they can continue to improve as an institution/department. They seem to always be looking at ways to add new grad certs to reach a greater demographic. I know Avila will work to change their instruction as needed to best prepare future educators.
How has your Avila education prepared your career?
I feel like I left the program with robust knowledge about the field of education, however, we all know you don’t know what to expect until you are in the thick of it. I am in year 11 and am still learning in ways I didn’t expect. Avila gave me realistic expectations. The courses, instruction, mock interviews, and practicum all contributed to my confidence going into my first years.
What professional goals do you have in the future? How has your Avila education prepared you to pursue those?
I am simply trying to be better every day. Every year. I have been awarded our district’s Spirit Award. I was honored to be a Park Hill Star my second year at PHSD but also was nominated this year. The great things they see in me as an educator, no doubt, come from the knowledge and encouragement I walked in with from my time at Avila.
Who at Avila did you form good relationships with during your studies? How did they assist you?
Hands down Dr. Sue McCalley. She was my professor for a handful of classes but served as a mentor throughout my time in the programs. There was a point that I was unsure if teaching was the path I wanted to be on as some things were changing in my personal life. I had doubts. I met with Dr. McCalley and she told me I was good, I was needed in the profession, and I could do it. I left that meeting inspired and encouraged that this was my path. Whenever I see her, she wants to know everything new in my life and genuinely cares about where I have ended up as an educator.
I also worked closely with Dr. Andria Stokes, who is no longer at Avila. She inspired me to think outside of the box. She invited me to attend a conference in Boston with her–I felt like an imposter, but it was a wonderful opportunity. The education department as a whole has always been so supportive. I serve on Avila’s Education Advisory Board and earned the Dept. of Ed Alumni award a few years back.
.