Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

MEd Reading

Student Name:  Christy Turner

Program: MEd Reading

Graduated: 2015

Employer: Rusk Independent School District

Position: Fifth Grade Reading Interventionist

What attracted you to this field?

I was attracted to this field because I wanted to learn more about what I can do to help my students and colleagues become more successful in reading/literacy.

Why did you choose UT Tyler?

I chose UT Tyler because of the friendliness and sincerity of the faculty I spoke with initially. Since completing this program, I have an even higher respect for the professors I worked with.

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

I love the accessibility of my professors and their willingness to go out of their way to make sure I am learning the most recent research-based information, and help me be successful throughout this entire program.

What are your career aspirations?

My goal is to become a literacy coach/consultant, and I feel upon completion of my M.Ed. in Reading at UT Tyler, I am highly qualified to take on a position of this nature. I would love to work at an Education Service Center in order to have the opportunity to help as many English/Language Arts teachers as I possibly can.

What's your work experience?

I have taught school for 29 years, in which I have taught kindergarten, first, fourth and fifth grades.

Do you have any advice to pass along to other students interested in this program?

My advice for anyone considering pursuing graduate school at UT Tyler is "do it"! The program I have been enrolled in has been 100% online, and therefore, I have been able to complete assignments at my convenience. Even at this point in my career, I feel that earning my master's has helped me become more knowledgeable of the current issues facing literacy, and I feel ready to see where this degree will lead me.

Learn more about our Master of Education in Reading degree