Teachers Continue to Learn at the University of Findlay

Great teachers never stop learning. However, finding time to fit professional development into the busy life of an educator can be a challenge. Flexible courses and understanding faculty are a must – and, according to two teachers who recently completed professional development through the University of Findlay, the university offers exactly that.

Brianna Stone ’11 M’15 in her classroom at Westland High School

Brianna Stone (Milne) ’11 M’15 earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics and adolescent/young adult education from the University of Findlay and just completed her Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in educational administration. Stone teaches six classes at Westland High School, so she needed a graduate degree that would work with her busy schedule.
“I was skeptical about earning my master’s completely online because of the lack of face-to-face communication. However, I was pleased that each professor was open to receiving phone calls and emails whenever I had questions or concerns,” said Stone.
She went on to mention that her academic advisor, Dr. ‘Buzz’ Dyer, even drove to her high school to have a face-to-face meeting with her. “I thought this action was in true UF fashion! I appreciated meeting with Buzz to discuss my path to graduation and talk about what I will do post-graduation. He has inspired me to work harder. I know that one day I will become an administrator that helps a school function more efficiently for both teachers and students,” said Stone.
UF’s Master’s of Arts in Education with an emphasis in educational administration gives students a better understanding of the numerous tasks principals are responsible for implementing. Stone indicates she now has a greater appreciation for her administrators after completing her degree.
Tony Unverferth completed UF’s principal license program in 2015, which will allow him to apply for an Ohio principal’s license. He was drawn to UF on a recommendation from a fellow teacher who completed the same degree. “He told me the University of Findlay made the process of online education as simple and pain free as possible for full-time teachers,” said Unverferth.

Tony Unverferth M’15 at Vantage Career Center

Part of being a government and military history instructor at Vantage Career Center requires Unverferth to dedicate some additional time outside the classroom to his position. With little time left at the end of the day, he found UF to be an excellent choice for professional development.
Unverferth appreciates that UF prepared him to take on all the different aspects of educational leadership. “From handling relationships with the school board members and superintendent, to ensuring that we keep regular and positive contact with students (don’t allow paper work to become the job, so to speak); I feel like the discussion with classmates and instructors really allowed me to learn from the experiences of other people in similar situations to my own,” he said.
Learn more about all of UF’s professional development options for teachers, including the Master of Arts in Education.