Graduate Student Alumni Spotlight

MEd Reading

Rachel BouknightStudent Name:  Rachel Bouknight

Program: Master of Education in Reading

Graduated: 2015

Employer: Bland Independent School District

Position: English as a Second Language Coordinator

What attracted you to this field?

I taught Kindergarten for seven years and I wanted to learn more about the way my students learn to read as well as furthering my career opportunities for the future.

Why did you choose to attend UT Tyler?

UT Tyler offered a course framework and schedule that met my needs as a professional with a family. Despite learning through an online format, I had more of a connection with my professors and other students than I did in a traditional face-to-face environment during my undergraduate coursework.

What do you like most about UT Tyler?

The support I had from my professors and their efforts to give every student the best learning experience possible.

What are your career aspirations?

After teaching Kindergarten for seven years, English as a Second Language became my calling. I wouldn't have taken that leap of faith had I not learned so much about English Learners during my Master of Education program. My professors gave me the confidence to take on a leadership role on my campus. This is my fifth year teaching ESL, and my fourth year acting as district coordinator. I originally wanted to take on a Reading Specialist or ESL Coordinator role and I’ve met that goal. At the moment I am satisfied with where I am, but I’m always open to furthering my education and career.

What's your work experience?

I taught kindergarten for seven years and I am currently in my fifth year of teaching English as a Second Language to Pre-kindergarten through 5th grade students. I am the District ESL Coordinator as well and act as LPAC Chair. I also have taught Pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade summer school for ten years. Upon completing my Masters program, I was asked to serve as a Field Supervisor for UT Tyler students in the MEd Reading Graduate program. It was an amazing experience.

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

I was not interested in becoming an administrator, but I felt that I could possess leadership skills and my love of reading pushed me to gain more information about the program. If you're interested in learning more about how you can help students and become a leader on your campus, I strongly urge you to contact the MEd Reading program coordinators at UT Tyler. It has been one of the best decisions I've made in my life!

Find out more about our Reading degree

Share this!
....