Consultant Creates Educational Program For A North Texas Academy
Dr. Tiffany Lipsett is an educational consultant. She specializes in designing educational programs and has created them for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and for the Dallas Independent School District. As a graduate of Texas A&M University at College Station in education, Lipsett is in the process of establishing a Dallas-based science and art academy.
Why did you pursue an advanced degree?
"I realized children need exposure outside of the traditional classroom setting. I believe educating through non-traditional means is a perfect supplement to the existing classroom experience. I pursued a doctorate degree because I wanted to immerse myself in literature and discourse that encourages creative learning environments where a variety of subjects overlap and intertwine."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn an advanced degree?
"My advice is to engage in discussions, debates and be open to alternative viewpoints. There are so many resources out there that are now accessible, take advantage of them, push yourself, be fully immersed, and enjoy the experience. Find at least one mentor that believes in what you see the future of education to be. I found two mentors, Dr. B. Stephen Carpenter II and Dr. Erin McTigue, and they gave me the strength and foundation to pursue my passion of educating and empowering young minds."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your doctorate degree?
"The biggest challenge I faced was choosing the right research methodology with a dissertation committee comprised of four different personalities with separate specialized areas of interest. Also, I gave birth to my daughter while writing my dissertation. Before her arrival, I did not have the lived experiences of family literacy and literacy events. I rewrote a chapter of my dissertation because my conceptual framework changed based on being a mother."
What was the biggest reward for earning your degree?
"Pursuing my doctorate exposed me to a network of professionals who are just as inspired as I am to dream big for the future of education. Without my education, I would not have been known how to focus my passion and creativity for integrating science, art, and visual literacy."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com