Missouri State University’s Graduate College proudly spotlights Jon Spence, an Alum of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and a dedicated Communication Arts educator at Parkview High School. Jon’s inspiring journey from student to educator highlights his commitment to lifelong learning and his passion for making a difference in the classroom.
“There are few things more satisfying than joining the worldwide community of MSU alumni and saying with pride, Bear Up!”
Uncover more about Jon’s experience in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.
Pursuing a master’s degree at Missouri State
Jon’s decision to study at Missouri State University (MSU) is closely tied to his roots in Springfield. Growing up in the area, Jon always admired the university’s programs. After earning his undergraduate degree, Jon wanted to continue his education at a larger public university. He believed MSU was the perfect fit, with its strong academic reputation and role as a key institution in Southwest Missouri.
“MSU known for academic excellence, and it is an educational mainstay in Southwest Missouri. This was the perfect combination for me, and I am honored to now be a Bear for life!”
Motivation to start the Master of Arts in Teaching Program
Affordability, accessibility, and the opportunity to gain teacher certification made Missouri State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program the perfect choice for Jon. The program’s online, asynchronous format allowed him to maintain a full-time job while advancing his education and supporting his family.
“The MAT program is a great on-ramp to education and a staging ground for educational doctoral studies, which I plan to pursue in the near future,” Jon shares.
Impactful courses for professional growth
During his program, Jon’s favorite class was Applied Research in Education, taught by Dr. Jamie Atkinson. He admired Dr. Atkinson’s teaching style, which inspired his passion for both quantitative and qualitative research, motivating him to delve deeper into this field of study.
“Dr. Atkinson was also very encouraging and welcoming, and we shared several of the best conversations I’ve had with a professor. I believe both Dr. Atkinson and this class increased my capacity and capability as an educator and lifelong learner, and I am eternally grateful for the time he invested in my growth.” Jon says.
Navigating work-life balance as a graduate student
Balancing a 40-hour workweek in marketing and copywriting while completing a master’s program was a significant challenge. Jon credits his success to effective time management and learning when to give his best effort and when to rest. “Being a part-time student certainly helped ease the burden, but the challenge primarily alleviated itself by giving me the opportunity to push my limits and strengthen myself in the process”, Jon reflects.
Theories to application
While working as a student-teacher on a provisional certificate, Jon taught honors English II and English III. He noticed some gaps in the curriculum and used what he learned in the MAT program at Missouri State University to make the lessons more engaging and challenging for his students. By adding creative learning opportunities, Jon helped his students excel.
He proudly states, “The prescribed curriculum is lacking in certain areas, and I used my training to enhance the material for accelerated learners, increasing both the rigor and the opportunities for creative learning. I know that I was able to achieve this thanks to the tremendous training I received in the MAT program at MSU”
Advice for Future #GradBears
Jon recommends that prospective graduate students visit Missouri State University’s campus to experience its welcoming environment, connect with faculty, explore graduate programs, and discover various opportunities MSU offers to help students succeed academically and personally.