DISD Administrator Teaches Higher Education Can Opens Doors
Tara Brown is an assistant principal for the Dallas Independent School District. She earned a bachelor's degree in science from Sam Houston State University and a taught math to middle school children. She earned a master's degree in educational administration from Concordia Lutheran University.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I pursued my master's degree for many reasons. I knew I wanted to be a school administrator before I even stepped into the classroom and that meant a master's degree because more career opportunities would open up if I had additional training in my field of expertise. It was about creating change on more than a micro level. It does not hurt that higher degrees translate into higher household incomes. I plan on pursuing my Ph.D. in education by the end of the school year."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"I would encourage that person to go for it now. Make the decision to start and follow through. Be prepared for long nights, a change in how much time you spend with family and friends. Put your heart into it. Maximize the sacrifices for the investment by giving 110 percent with self-reflection along the way."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"I worked full-time in a leadership capacity, had community service responsibilities, and I had to make choices about prioritization – finances, time, confidence, resources. It was tough at times learning how to keep all of the plates spinning in the air. I was burning the candle at both ends literally going days at a time without sleeping more than two to three hours a night. Time became a sacred thing to me."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The rewards have been the quiet steady – doors opening. It is the ability to have the skills and the capability to lead people that make a difference in the lives of DISD students every single day. People (student and teachers) coming and asking advice because they trust you as a leader to help guide them through a problem, not solve it for them."
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
