The M.Ed. Program Helped Me Unlock My Full Potential as an Educator

I grew up in a small community in Aduas Norte, Cabanatuan City, Philippines. I vividly remember walking to school each day along an unpaved road. Coming from an underrepresented community, I experienced firsthand the challenges in accessing quality education, especially in the sciences. My struggle, however, taught me respect for hard work and community service. It taught me the power of knowledge in transforming lives. Looking back, I see all of my experiences as foundational rocks to a lifelong commitment to education and social change. 

Making science accessible, relevant, and inspiring for all learners, regardless of their background, is now my mission for life.  

Choosing to Teach and Transform Lives  

I was inspired by my high school Physics teacher, who introduced me to the fascinating mysteries of the field and encouraged me to explore them further. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree, I started my career as a science educator and have been fortunate enough to have taught and mentored students from various geographical regions and circumstances. Many of my early students were from rural and minority communities.  

Upon moving to the USA as a cultural exchange teacher, I realized I needed to enhance my skills. I wanted to earn an M.Ed. degree, but the cost of higher education in the States posed a major challenge for me. I simply couldn’t afford it. 

When I found out about University of the People, I grew hopeful. UoPeople’s mission of democratizing education aligned with my values and aspirations.  

I decided to enroll immediately as the university was affordable and willing to accept college credits from my master’s degree earned in the Philippines. 

UoPeople’s M.Ed. Program Turned Out to be the Right Fit for Me 

Studying at UoPeople proved to be one of the most important steps in my professional journey. I lost my father to COVID during my time at UoPeople. It was a trying phase for me, but I was deeply supported by my teachers at the university, who encouraged me to persevere and continue striving despite the challenges. At UoPeople, I learned advanced knowledge in my subject area and gained perspective on issues that impact education worldwide. The diverse context of international learning helped me build critical thinking. My peers and instructors taught me to think beyond borders. 

After earning my M.Ed. from UoPeople, I feel empowered as an educator. I can now apply innovative strategies and a deeper understanding of teaching principles directly to my classroom practice. The curriculum outlined not only effective classroom teaching but also the importance of integrity, sustainability, and social responsibility in education. The program was comprehensive, and it encouraged me to devote myself to promoting sustainability through science education. I now emphasize environmental awareness and stewardship in my teaching practice—thanks to UoPeople. 

My journey truly exemplifies the power of education in transforming lives. The M.Ed. program equipped me with valuable tools and fresh insights that have empowered me to turn my dreams into reality. I highly recommend this program to others seeking flexible, affordable, and quality education that truly prepares learners to make a difference.  

At the core of my life philosophy is the belief that education is a powerful catalyst for positive change. I want to continue to learn and grow. I am forever grateful to University of the People for igniting my passion for teaching and for helping me become the educator I am today.  

About the Author   

Angelito R. holds teaching licenses in both the Philippines and the USA. He is set to start a new position as a science educator at Munich Public School in North Dakota. With a deep commitment to sustainable education, Angelito has more than a decade of teaching experience and possesses degrees in education and IT from institutions in the Philippines, the UK, and the USA. Beyond teaching, he is involved as a church worker at Harvesters Ministry of Christ Fellowship in his hometown, where he engages with young people and oversees a summer vacation Bible school for children. Writing research papers is his preferred method of reflection and idea exchange, but when he isn’t focused on research, Angelito loves to travel, connect with new people, and explore diverse cultures. He is a dedicated gardener and loves his pets, which include fish, birds, and rabbits.