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The EducatED Advocate
Thank you for the overwhelming response of my official launch on NYE! Thank you for the likes, comments, and subscribers!! Thank you sharing the blog on your timeline! Remember- āEach one , Teach one; so that we may reach one! ā
Soooooā¦ā¦.I know some of you are wondering the unique spelling of the blog title . If you havenāt noticed , go ahead and scroll back up to see ā¦ā¦ Iāll wait !!
The unique spelling of the title is symbolic to todayās postā¦ Why I Chose to Pursue a Doctorate in Education.
By the time this post is released, I would have started my first class in my Dissertation Research (DIS9911A) at National University ( online) !! As a doctoral candidate, Iām now working on my dissertation manuscript and preparing to defend my research topic !
The Real Work BEGINS!!
For as long as I can remember, education has been a cornerstone of my life. Since the age of 5 years old; I knew I wanted to go into the field of education but it wasnāt until 3rd grade at F.O.C.A.S/S.C.O.P.E in Ms. Kappelerās class that I made the realization that I AM A TEACHER. I wasnāt just going to be a teacher, I AM AN EDUCATOR. You are probably thinking, āwhatās the difference? Arenāt they the same?!ā Actually there is a distinct difference:
According to Oxford Language (2024), a teacher is a noun ( person) and is someone who teaches, especially in school (Oxford, 2024).
Merrim-Webster Dictionary (2024) explains that an educator as ā'one skilled in teaching; a student of the theory and practice of educationā (Merrim-Webster, 2024).
As an African American woman , graduate of Kent State University with a B.S in Family Life Education and a graduate of Ashford University with a M.A in Teaching and Learning with Teaching; as well as over two decades of experience in the educational system and classroom, Iāve seen firsthand how transformative education can beānot just for students, but for entire communities. Itās this belief in the power of education that ultimately led me to pursue a Doctorate in Education.
But this decision wasnāt made lightly. In fact, itās a choice rooted in purpose, persistence, and a deep desire to make a lasting impact.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Teaching has always been more than a job for meāitās a calling. Over the years, Iāve learned that being an effective educator requires a commitment to lifelong learning. As the world evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities within education. Pursuing a doctorate is my way of ensuring I stay ahead of the curve, not just for myself, but for the students and educators I serve.
This doctoral journey is about pushing the boundaries of what I know, questioning the status quo, and seeking innovative solutions to the problems that plague our schools.
Amplifying Voices That Matter
As a Black woman in academia, I understand the importance of representation. Too often, the voices shaping educational policy and practice donāt reflect the diversity of the students they serve. By earning a Doctorate in Education, I hope to amplify voices that are often overlooked and contribute to a more equitable, inclusive educational landscape.
I want to be part of the conversations that challenge systemic inequities and champion culturally responsive teaching practices.
Addressing Teacher Retention and Preparedness
One of the issues Iām most passionate about is teacher retention, particularly among first-year educators. Having been in the trenches myself, I know how overwhelming the early years of teaching can be. Iāve also seen how a lack of support can lead to burnout and high turnover rates.
My doctoral research focuses on understanding how teacher preparation programs impact first-year teachers and their likelihood to stay in the profession. My goal is to uncover actionable insights that can help schools and districts better support their teachersābecause when teachers thrive, so do their students.
Honoring My Legacy
Pursuing a doctorate is also deeply personal. Iām doing this for the generations before me who didnāt have the opportunity to reach these heights, and for the generations after me who will see whatās possible because I took this step.
My doctorate is dedicated to my mom, Patricia Ann McDonald, who passed away in 2022. She was and will always be my biggest supporter in my educational journey and career. When she would talk about me to friends and family , she would often say:
āI donāt really what Tiffany does for a living but I know she is doing something in teaching . She loves to read and write !ā
My mom is the epitome of āFIGHTERā; she was challenged with multiple health problems and in 2019 , she suffered a massive stroke , leaving her paralyzed on her left side and bedridden. She never gave up !!
She went through so much wear and tear on her body from 2019-2022; she went from talking to not talking to talking; unable to eat to indulging in her favorite meals; being poked and probed constantly; and even coded 3x! She kept fighting! She fought for LIFE and did it with a smile on her face ! During her transition to going home with the Lord, her last words to me were
āHow big is your Faith?!ā
Obtaining this doctoral degree is a STEP OUT ON FAITH! Iām testing limits , making sacrifices, beating the oddsā¦ Iām fighting for all of those that didnāt have the opportunity to go for their dreams and goals. This journey is about honoring my ancestors, inspiring my students, and leaving a legacy of resilience, determination, and impact.
The Journey Ahead
Earning a doctorate is not easyāitās a path filled with challenges, late nights, and moments of self-doubt. But itās also a journey of growth, discovery, and purpose. Every paper I write, every theory I study, and every solution I explore brings me closer to my goal of transforming education for the better.
So, why did I choose to pursue a Doctorate in Education?
I believe in the power of learning to change lives.
I want to be a voice for equity and innovation in education.
Iām committed to leaving this world a little better than I found itāone classroom, one teacher, and one student at a time.
Call to Action:
Hereās a question for YOU:
What motivates you to keep growing and pursuing your goals?
Let me know in the commentsāIād love to hear your story!
āWe listen and we donāt judge!ā
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Until Next Timeā¦ā¦.. KEEP LEARNING!
Educationally Yours,
The EducatED Advocate
