“Unless you know to what port you sail, no wind is a good wind. Remember, too, that winds change with each day and sails are trimmed to meet existing winds.” — Seneca
Our tasks as educators carry an important responsibility: educating other people’s children and being part of the village it takes to prepare them for their future. We share that responsibility with care, intention, and passion. There will be times we must “adjust the sails” of our knowledge and skill base to be more effective. Deepening our knowledge and pedagogy lets us invest in ourselves as educators and human beings, so we can invest more in our students.
I am privileged to oversee York University’s Master of Arts in Education. This is a new adventure in my professional life, so I have adjusted my sails and am navigating a new course with passion and intention. The chance to speak with fellow educators about opportunities to invest in themselves excites me. I believe there are strategic moments when we must invest in ourselves to stay current and better serve others. I have loved those times of growth in my own personal and professional life, and I believe continued learning is an important part of our journey as educators.
I know additional coursework and degrees can lead to increased compensation, which is certainly a worthwhile benefit. What gets me out of bed every morning, however, is the chance to help bring others into courses and programs that enhance the quality of their lives, personally and professionally. One belief has guided me throughout my career: the opportunity to improve is something we should never take for granted. That’s been my modus operandi for over four decades: how can I better myself? It's a question that has motivated me throughout the years and continues to shape how I approach education and the opportunities we have to grow.
I believe the MAE program at York University is top quality, and the fantastic team at York University Online is dedicated to student success. For educators considering the next step in their professional journey, pursuing a master’s degree can be an opportunity to expand their knowledge, strengthen their teaching practices, and invest in themselves and the students they serve. I hope to have the chance to know many of these educators personally, and the smile on my face and in my heart when I help hood them at graduation will be immense.
Dr. Clark Roush
Director, Master of Arts in Education
York University Online
402.363-5696
croush@york.edu