From California to Bend: How Resident Tuition Helped Kenzie Pursue Teaching

1. What inspired you to pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching program at OSU-Cascades, particularly as someone who is originally from California?

I was originally drawn to the Master of Arts in Teaching program at OSU-Cascades because of my positive experiences at Oregon State University in Corvallis. As someone who grew up in California, moving to Oregon for college was a big transition, but I quickly fell in love with Oregon State and the community it provided. I graduated from OSU in Corvallis and had such a meaningful experience there that when I decided to pursue my Master of Arts in Teaching, OSU-Cascades was naturally one of the first places I looked.

I was especially excited about OSU-Cascades because it offered the opportunity to continue being part of the Oregon State community while building a life and career in Central Oregon. I was drawn to the MAT program because of its cohort model, close faculty relationships, strong connections with local schools, and emphasis on preparing teachers through authentic classroom experiences.

Ultimately, choosing OSU-Cascades felt like coming full circle. I loved my undergraduate experience at OSU, and I knew I wanted to continue my education within a community that had already had such a positive impact on me. At the same time, OSU-Cascades gave me the opportunity to explore a new community, grow as an educator, and prepare for a career teaching in Oregon.

2. Financial Aid is a concern for many of our students. As a recipient of the Western Regional Graduate Program, can you talk about how this program has helped offset the cost of pursuing the MAT program?

The Western Regional Graduate Program has made a significant difference in making the MAT program financially accessible to me. Graduate school is a major financial commitment, and as an out-of-state student, the cost of tuition was something I had to seriously consider when deciding where to continue my education.

Through the WRGP, I was able to receive the resident tuition rate rather than paying the full nonresident rate, which substantially reduced the overall cost of my program.

Being able to receive the resident tuition rate made the decision to pursue my MAT at OSU-Cascades much more attainable and allowed me to focus more of my energy on learning, student teaching, and preparing to become an elementary educator.

3. In addition to your MAT degree, you chose to complete the optional ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement. What motivated you to add this endorsement, and how do you think it will shape your future teaching practice?

As a teacher, I know I will have students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and language abilities, and I want to develop the knowledge and skills to make sure language is never a barrier to feeling successful and included in the classroom. I chose to add the ESOL endorsement because I want to be prepared to support every student who walks into my classroom, including students who are learning English as an additional language. I want all of my students to feel that their language and cultural backgrounds are valued and that they belong in our classroom. I see the ESOL endorsement as another tool that will help me become a more responsive, inclusive, and effective teacher.

4. Can you talk about your experience as a part-time student? What advice would you give prospective students who are considering the part-time option?

My experience as a part-time student has been positive, and choosing the two-year pathway was the right decision for me. I wanted to give myself enough time to fully engage with the program, develop my teaching practice, and balance the demands of graduate school with my other responsibilities. It also gave me time to build relationships with professors, classmates, mentor teachers, and students, which has been an important part of my experience.

For prospective students considering the part-time option, my biggest piece of advice would be to not view taking two years as taking the “long way” or the “easy way.” It is an intentional pathway that gives you space to grow as an educator. If you are someone who values having time to process what you are learning, gain classroom experience, and maintain balance in your life, I would definitely consider the two-year option. Give yourself permission to take the time you need!

5. You are a founding member of the new Future Educators student club. What inspired you to get involved, and what has that experience meant to you?

As someone in the MAT program, I know how valuable it is to have a community of people who understand the experiences and challenges that come with preparing to become an educator. I also wanted to help create opportunities for undergraduate students who are considering teaching to connect with graduate students and learn more about the profession. Teaching is built on human connection, shared knowledge and collaboration, and I believe we become better educators when we learn from one another.

Being a founder of the Future Educators Club has been really meaningful because we have had the opportunity to build the club from the ground up. It has been exciting to see an idea turn into a community and to work alongside other students and faculty who share a passion for education. Last school year, we organized a kickoff social and outdoor activities, including a hike and picnic at Paulina Lake.

This year, we hope to create more opportunities to connect with educators and the local school community and help students learn more about careers in education. My hope is that the Future Educators Club becomes a lasting community at OSU-Cascades where students feel supported, connected and excited about their future in education.

6. What strategies, habits, or resources have helped you succeed in the MAT program? What advice would you give to new MAT students who want to make the most of their experience?

One resource that has been incredibly valuable is the support of my professors and classmates. I have learned so much from asking questions, seeking feedback, and being willing to learn from the people around me. I have also found that some of the most meaningful learning happens through conversations with classmates and educators who bring different experiences and perspectives to the program.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, reach out to your professors, or seek feedback. Be open to trying new things and recognize that you are not expected to have everything figured out right away. The MAT program is an opportunity to learn and grow, and I think you get the most out of it when you allow yourself to step outside your comfort zone.

7. Looking back on your time in the program so far, what do you think is one of the greatest strengths of the MAT program at OSU-Cascades?

The smaller community at OSU-Cascades creates opportunities to know your professors and classmates and to learn from one another. I have appreciated being surrounded by people who are passionate about education and who are willing to share their experiences, ideas, and resources. The relationships I have developed with my professors have made the program feel very personal and supportive. I know that I can reach out when I need guidance, and I appreciate that they genuinely want to see us succeed. That sense of support has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at OSU-Cascades.

8. What are your career goals after graduation?

After graduation, my primary goal is to begin my career as an elementary school teacher in Central Oregon. I know that my learning will not end after I graduate, and I am excited to continue growing as an educator and learning from the teachers and communities around me. I am especially excited to create a classroom community where students feel welcomed, joyous, and supported. I want to encourage curiosity, risk-taking, and a love for learning.

9. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of the faculty in the MAT program for their support, guidance, and the experiences they have provided throughout my time at OSU-Cascades. Each professor has contributed to my growth in meaningful ways, and I am incredibly grateful for the time, encouragement, and knowledge they have shared with me. Their belief in me as a future educator has helped build my confidence and has reminded me that I am part of a community that genuinely wants to see me succeed. As I step into my new role as a student-teacher this school year, I know I will face new challenges, but I will not be stepping into it alone.