By day, Missouri State University alumna Lexi Messenger is a library media specialist, guiding fifth and sixth graders through the world of books at Reed Springs Intermediate School. Two nights a week, she attends classes, pursuing her own studies as part of the university’s inaugural Doctor of Education in Leadership, Learning and Educational Change cohort.
“I have to push myself to go to class after a long day at work, but I always leave knowing it was worth it,” Messenger said. “I love the people and the content.”
The value of face-to-face learning
What drew Messenger to this doctoral program was its in-person aspect.
“There are so many programs online, but I really enjoy the connection and collaboration with both peers and instructors that happen in person,” she said.
With only 13 people in her cohort, she values the opportunities to connect with everyone not only academically, but also professionally and personally.
“I look forward to see what doors this program will open for me,” she said.
Finding her career path
Messenger first came to Missouri State as an undergraduate student in 2013. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education and teaching in May 2018.
Although she started out as a speech pathology major, her interests soon shifted to teaching.
“Every time I could take a literature class, I did. While the negative stigma around teaching initially kept me away, those classes reminded me of what I always wanted to be as a kid — a teacher,” she said.
As a student, Messenger was involved in Alpha Sigma Alpha, where she served on the executive board. She was also part of the Panhellenic Association, which is the governing body for the eight National Panhellenic Conference sororities, one multicultural sorority and one local sorority at Missouri State.
“I was always trying to be involved in some capacity,” she said.
Since her graduation, she has gone on to obtain her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University in May 2023. She also has two graduate certificates from Missouri State: Online Teaching and Learning and Library Media Specialist.
“There are so many roles in the school system that require special certification. Earning my certificates wasn’t just a logistical step — it was something I wanted, because they allow me to advance outside of the classroom,” Messenger said.
Educating young minds
She has been in her current role since last year. Her favorite part about it is getting to work with both students and staff members.
“I love that I get to dive into literacy and help kids learn to love reading,” she said.
Her other jobs have included seventh and eighth grade English teacher at Reeds Springs and sixth grade English Language Arts instructor and English Language Arts teacher at Ozark School District and Marionville School District, respectively.
“Deciding to lean into what I love and wanted to pursue has been so rewarding for me,” Messenger said.
Encouragement for education students
If she could share one piece of advice, it would be for aspiring teachers not to be discouraged by the negative perceptions surrounding the profession.
“Teaching is hard, and people will have a lot of different opinions about it,” she said. But if you’re passionate, those opinions don’t matter.”