More than 25,000 educators make Walden their first choice. Why? Read for yourself.
“I consider Walden University to be the best online choice for teachers. The curriculum is designed by teachers
for teachers to offer a practical approach, creating more reflective educators who will make a difference in the classroom.”
— Rebecca McLelland-Crawley
The following is an interview with Rebecca McLelland-Crawley, Walden M.S. in Education graduate and current Walden Ed.D. student.
Walden: Why Walden?
Rebecca: I started my graduate experience at a traditional university and within the first two courses realized that it was not going to work out because just commuting took so much time, and I was exhausted at the end of the day. Even though I was getting good grades, it was really difficult to dedicate all that extra time. When I saw that Walden was online, was accredited, and offered the curriculum that I was looking for, it was the perfect match. I loved the challenge that Walden provided. That is why after I graduated from Walden with my M.S.Ed., I decided to pursue my Ed.D. through Walden.
Walden: What do you think of the Walden faculty?
Rebecca: My instructors were real people. By this I mean that they understood that the people in my classroom were juggling careers, family, and other obligations, and still wanted to obtain a higher degree. They were knowledgeable, personable, and very supportive and very understanding. As an adult learner it’s difficult to find a professor who will really understand what you’re going through and the demands of your life outside of school. At Walden, the faculty can give you the support that you really need.
Walden: What does your employer think about your degree from Walden?
Rebecca: At first they asked about accreditation, and I was able to direct them to the Web site that explained Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. After I explained that my time would be more wisely spent at Walden and that I would be more able to balance work and school in this manner, their support was unyielding.
Walden: What is your daily routine like when you are taking a Walden course?
Rebecca: I check into my online classroom at least once every day or two to read the discussion board and post comments. I also access the library databases to read journal articles related to my master’s study. All of this usually takes place in the evening, after everything else in my normal day is done. I can access my classroom at my own convenience and in my pajamas. I could not imagine school any other way now. The flexibility of Walden makes my day seem less stressful.
Walden: How many hours per week do you spend doing coursework?
Rebecca: That varies. I would say on average 10 hours, but there are some weeks that require more time, and some that require less.
Walden: What are people’s reactions when you tell them you’re attending Walden University?
Rebecca: A lot of people want to know more about Walden as soon as I mention it. They have seen the commercials or ads on the Web and simply want more information from someone who has experienced Walden. I show them my online classroom in order to give them an idea of what an online university means. They are always impressed.
Walden: What are some similarities or differences between Walden and other online universities?
Rebecca: Compared to courses I’ve taken through other online institutions, the classes at Walden are easier to navigate—and the assignments are consistent no matter who your professor is. When you take a course at Walden, you can be assured that students in other sections are dealing with the same course load. There are not easier and harder professors like there may be with other universities. Everyone completes the same assignments, which makes it a more fair and balanced program.
Walden: What are some similarities or differences between Walden and traditional, campus-based universities?
Rebecca: Just like traditional programs, Walden provides demanding and relevant coursework, library services, financial aid, and advisors. However, at Walden there is more student-to-student interaction than at traditional universities because of the required asynchronous discussions. You may think that an online program is very impersonal, but I have found that most traditional programs are less personal than Walden. The friends I have made at Walden have really helped me grow as a learner.
Walden: Other than teaching high school full time, what are some examples of other commitments you are balancing with your studies?
Rebecca: I am a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a singer, and a mentor to teachers in my school and to National Board candidates. I am a more-confident person because of the knowledge I obtained through my studies, and that is reflected in every facet of my life. I thrive on life’s challenges and have been able to balance everything important to me and to my quest for a fulfilling life.
Walden: What are some of your accomplishments since starting at Walden?
Rebecca: I was named Teacher of the Year for my school and Phi Delta Kappa/Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 2005. I have become a mentor for National Board candidates mainly because of the research I have completed at Walden thus far. I think that by being a Walden student, I have become more aware of what it means to make a difference in the world. As such, I have taken a more-active role in protecting a pond in the town where I teach. I have worked with students and an environmental engineering firm to secure a Green Acres grant to assist our efforts. In total, the money that we have raised to restore Willow Pond has exceeded $700,000. Walden gave me the confidence and the knowledge to accomplish this.
Join Rebecca and more than 29,000 other Walden education students and alumni. Choose Walden for your education program. Complete the information request form or call 1-800-997-4154 .