Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

Reading MED

Student Name: Kelli Airheart

Program: M.Ed. in Reading with Certification as Reading Specialist

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Undergraduate Institution: East Texas State University (Texas A&M - Commerce)

Graduation Year: Undergrad: 1991 Grad: 2019

Why did you choose to attend UT Tyler?

I chose to attend UT Tyler for my graduate degree for several reasons. First, as I researched many online graduate reading specialist programs, I felt that UT Tyler offered the most comprehensive coursework. I was confident that when I completed my degree plan, I would be well prepared to do my job as a master reading teacher. Second, the flexibility of an online degree was very appealing to me. Teaching full time and living a couple of hours away from the university, I knew that an online program was my best option to earn my master’s degree. Finally, the cost was by far the “cherry on top”. I could not justify going anywhere else after realizing that it was possible for me to earn an outstanding degree (under the guidance of some of the best literacy educators in the field) at such a low cost.

What are your career goals and how does your graduate program support them?

In my current position as an Intervention Support Teacher, I have the privilege of working with students who struggle with reading and math. I believe it is my responsibility to increase my knowledge in order to better equip the students I serve on a daily basis. I consider myself to be a “lifelong learner,” and by taking the initiative to earn my degree, I have fulfilled a career goal in the field in which I work. In addition, I firmly believe that the graduate program at UT Tyler has enlarged my possibilities for any future literacy educational opportunities.

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

One of the things that I have enjoyed the most about UT Tyler is that I have experienced a sense of community, even though I am not “physically” on campus. The team of literacy instructors at UT Tyler have made it a priority for those of us taking online classes to connect with others within our graduate program. My instructors have gone above and beyond to make me feel like I am important and that they care about my success. I am truly grateful for their guidance and shared literacy knowledge.

Find out more about our Masters in Reading program