My Journey into Educational Leadership: How an M.Ed. from UoPeople Helped Me Grow

I have always believed that education can open doors—not only for individuals but also for the communities they serve. Growing up in Fiji, I saw education as an opportunity to build a better future. Today, as an educational leader in India, that belief continues to guide my work and inspire me to keep learning.

My journey has taken me from Fiji’s northern islands to Chennai, India, and through different roles in education. Along the way, earning a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching (M.Ed.) from University of the People became an important milestone, strengthening my knowledge and helping me grow as an educator and instructional leader.

A Dream That Began in Fiji

I was fortunate to receive a well-rounded elementary, secondary, and tertiary education. My upbringing and education broadened my perspective and gave me valuable opportunities for personal and educational growth.

One of my proudest early milestones was becoming the first among my three older siblings to earn a college degree. Graduating from Fiji National University was a dream my parents and I shared. Seeing their pride and emotion on graduation day made the achievement even more meaningful. It represented years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope, and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education.

Growing up, I had dreamed of becoming a pilot. However, as I progressed through my education and career, I discovered a deeper calling in education. I became increasingly interested in transforming teaching and learning, particularly as the world and the needs of students continued to change.

Finding My Path in Education

Before joining UoPeople, I built my career in International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) schools in Fiji and India. I worked in several roles, including Teacher Assistant, Homeroom Teacher, Educational Technology Integrator, and Learning Support Teacher. Each experience helped me develop a stronger understanding of teaching, student support, curriculum implementation, and educational innovation.

In 2019, I moved to India and took on the role of PYP Coordinator. I had the opportunity to lead a school through its IB PYP consultancy and authorization journey, an experience that strengthened my leadership and curriculum development skills.

Today, I work as an Associate PYP Coordinator and Instructional Coach at an international school in Chennai. I support teaching and learning initiatives, mentor educators, and work with teachers to strengthen curriculum implementation and promote student-centered learning.

Education is constantly evolving. New pedagogical approaches, technologies, and research continue to shape how students learn and how educators teach. Keeping pace with these changes while managing a full-time career has been one of my ongoing challenges. It has also reinforced the importance of being adaptable, reflective, and committed to lifelong learning.

Why I Chose University of the People

I first learned about University of the People through the International Baccalaureate community and its collaboration in offering programs aligned with the needs of educators. As someone working in educational leadership, I wanted to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my professional skills, and remain current with developments in education.

I chose UoPeople’s Master of Education program because it offered the flexibility and accessibility I needed to continue my studies alongside my professional responsibilities. At the time, I was looking for a program that would allow me to keep working while gaining a deeper understanding of teaching, learning, and educational leadership.

I joined UoPeople in November 2023 and graduated in May 2025. What I valued most was the opportunity to connect academic learning with my everyday work. I could take concepts and ideas from my courses and apply them directly in my professional setting. I also appreciated learning alongside a diverse global community of educators, whose different perspectives and experiences broadened my understanding of education.

The program offered a valuable balance of educational theory and practical application. It helped me strengthen my knowledge of contemporary educational practices, leadership, curriculum development, and instructional strategies. I would encourage other educators considering the M.Ed. to approach it as an opportunity to grow professionally and make a more meaningful impact on teaching and learning.

Turning Learning into Leadership

My education at UoPeople contributed significantly to my professional growth and leadership capabilities. Throughout the program, I was able to connect what I was learning with the challenges and opportunities I encountered at work.

During this period, I successfully led a school through the IB PYP consultancy and authorization process while continuing to support teachers in improving their teaching and learning practices. The knowledge I gained through the M.Ed. helped me approach these responsibilities with a stronger understanding of educational leadership, curriculum development, and instructional strategies.

Today, as an Associate PYP Coordinator and Instructional Coach, I work closely with educators to strengthen curriculum implementation, encourage innovative teaching practices, and support student-centered learning. I am particularly passionate about empowering teachers, supporting school improvement, and helping create meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

For me, professional growth is not simply about gaining qualifications. It is about using what I learn to make a difference in the environments where I work and the lives of the people I support.

Balancing Studies, Career, and Family

Earning my M.Ed. was especially meaningful because I completed it while managing a demanding career and family responsibilities. My wife and I were expecting our second child during this period, so life involved balancing work commitments, hospital visits, household responsibilities, and caring for our growing family—all while keeping up with my studies.

It required discipline, careful time management, and making the most of every available moment. I studied whenever I could, whether at home, during breaks at work, or while travelling. There were many responsibilities to manage, but staying focused on my long-term goal helped me keep going.

Completing the degree was a tremendous achievement and a moment of celebration for my family and me. I am proud not only of the qualification but also of the perseverance and commitment it took to earn it. The experience reminded me that even ambitious goals can become achievable with determination, support, and persistence.

My Advice to UoPeople Learners: Embrace the Journey

I hope to continue growing as an educational leader and contribute to the development of innovative, student-centered learning environments. I want to keep supporting teachers, driving curriculum development, and helping schools respond to the changing demands of education.

My advice to current and prospective UoPeople students is to embrace the learning journey with commitment, discipline, and an open mind. Online learning offers tremendous flexibility, but it also calls for effective time management, consistency, and self-motivation. Engage with your peers, make the most of every course, and treat each assignment as an opportunity to grow.

About the Author

Dasha S. is a Fijian educator based in Chennai, India. He holds a Master of Education from University of the People and currently serves as an Associate PYP Coordinator and Instructional Coach at an international school. With experience in teaching, educational technology, learning support, and curriculum leadership, Dasha is passionate about empowering educators and creating meaningful learning experiences. He credits his M.Ed. with strengthening his ability to support teachers, improve teaching and learning, and contribute to the future of education. Outside work, he enjoys badminton, surfing, and motorcycle rides to the scenic hill stations of South India, where he can unwind, connect with nature, and discover new places and cultures.