A Master's Degree 'Speaks Volumes' About You, Says Dallas Teacher
Latrenda Rush is a kindergarten teacher at ILT in North Texas.
"I think it is a gift that I am able to relate to people of all ages," said Rush, who earned her master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Jackson State University in Mississippi.
She said she wanted to break through stereotypes regarding African-Americans and women. Rush is one of six children who, "Grew up in a small town in Mississippi. My parents stressed the importance of getting an education. My mother, after starting her family decided to go back to school and earn her degree in education. My father worked as a supervisor for a large automaker. He trained us in life skills, such as balancing a checkbook, the value of money and how to present ourselves in an interview."
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I wanted more opportunities. I know that being a teacher with just a bachelor's degree would be limiting. With my master's degree, I was able to participate in different training opportunities. A bachelor's degree is good but having a master's shows that you want to move forward."
What would you tell someone who is considering going back to earn their master's degree?
"I would encourage someone that has a desire for more to pursue their master's. It speaks volumes about your drive and it demonstrates that you are a continual learner. It opens up the doors in education, not just teaching. It broadens your options into areas such as: administration, diagnostic, curriculum and instruction, technology, behavior specialization and counseling. There are so many fields one can go into within the field of education."
What is your long-term goal?
"I desire to earn my Ph.D. and teach on a college level. For me, that would be a great opportunity. Even though I will always continue to learn, this goal is one that I would love to achieve. As one of the greatest leaders, Nelson Mandela, once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'"
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
