Master's education student proves you can get your degree at any age

Eight years ago, Kayla Heller, mom of five, returned to MSUM to finish her degree. Just seven weeks after having her last child at 29 years old, Kayla came back to pursue her undergraduate degree in early childhood education with a minor in special education. Kayla completed it in December 2020, at the age of 34.

"When initially attending in 2008 -2010, I was impressed with the small class sizes and affordable tuition. The variety of in person and online courses available allowed for flexibility and self-paced learning. The professors were knowledgeable, prepared, and responsive to questions," she says.

"When I returned in 2016, I was reminded of why I chose MSUM for my teaching degree -- the school atmosphere. Just walking on campus made me feel like I could grow into the successful person I had always wanted to become. I even had a previous professor remember me. This professor would check in with me often to see how I was balancing college and family life."

Kayla is now on her way to achieving her master's degree in the curriculum & instruction program with an emphasis in literacy.

She is grateful towards the professors who helped her along the way, like Dr. Erin Gillett, Dr. Caitlin Johnson, and Danielle Parenteau from the School of Teaching and Learning.

"I will never forget Professor Gillett saying, 'I am not sure how you did it, but I am so glad you charted your own course and completed your degree. You are going to be an outstanding teacher, and your experiences as a mother will inform your teaching in ways that will benefit students and families.'"

Kayla appreciates how her graduate professors are just as supportive and flexible as her undergraduate ones, genuinely wanting her to achieve her goals.

"At times, I have felt overwhelmed and reached out to my professors. Having clear communication helped me complete each semester at my own pace," she says.

"I didn't consider any other college to get my master's from. World educators need to be more than just teachers, they need to be familiar with curriculum and how to differentiate lessons, build relationships, utilize the newest technology and develop a lasting love for learning. MSUM taught me this and more about becoming the best educator I could be," she says.

Kayla says that MSUM professors, like Dr. Caitlin Johnson, prepare her well by increasing her diverse literacy skills. This helps her broaden her students' understanding of the world. Different perspectives can enhance their world view, develop critical thinking skills and increase language skills. Kayla feels this is something young students should be exposed to in order to promote cultural awareness.

Since getting her first degree, Kayla has worked as a first-grade teacher at Robert Asp Elementary School here in Moorhead and is currently teaching preschool students at Mahnomen Elementary School.

Investing in Yourself

After starting a family, Kayla wanted to go back to school not only to trigger her career but to prove to herself and her family that you can go back to school at any age and complete your degree. Kayla stresses that it is important that you invest in yourself.

Kayla was motivated by the reason she started her degree in the first place and focused on that as a constant reminder to keep going.

One semester into graduate school, Kayla's family moved back to her hometown, Fosston, Minn. Because of MSUM's online program, Kayla was able to continue her education. Kayla is the first person in her immediate family to graduate from college and has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout. She says that her secret to managing it all is the support from her husband, and strong time management skills.

"I call it a weave, weaving in and out. During the day I am teaching, then I weave into parenthood, and then I weave into college. I have been able to find that balance of being there for all of them."

Investing in Others

After returning to her degree, Kayla realized how much being a mother changed her outlook on education.

"I did not develop a love for early childhood until after I had my children. But once I started having children, I became fascinated with child development and how to help children in reaching developmental milestones," she says.

Kayla added a minor in special education to properly identify early signs in children, to understand how the referral process works, and to eliminate negative connotations people may have about Special Education. Kayla also wanted to learn more about the differences between Individual Education Plans and 504 Plans.

MSUM's special education courses prepared Kayla to learn about the different accommodations and modifications students can use to be successful in school.

Kayla has seen how much teachers go out of their way to make an impact in their students' lives. Since working at Mahnomen Elementary, Kayla has learned how integrating indigenous culture in the classroom can enhance student's learning and promote a sense of belonging. At first, she was unfamiliar with native customs, but the school's Native American liaisons helped her gain a better understanding.

"This collaboration has allowed me to develop culturally appropriate lessons that are accurate and respectful of Indigenous culture," Kayla says.

Going through school and adapting to her new work environment showed Kayla that it is okay to ask for help from others, like professors and colleagues. "It is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of collaboration and willingness to learn from each other." "I love hearing the excitement in my children's voices as they talk about their mom being in college. I feel like the roles have changed slightly and instead of me only being proud of their accomplishments, they are proud of me," she says.

Kayla is also an advocate for her community. When criticized for breastfeeding her child at a pool on a hot summer day, word spread and mothers gathered to breastfeed their children together there in demonstration of their rights. (Breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states.) This story was featured in the Fargo Forum and Bemidji Pioneer, and is displayed in the MSUM Women's Center (photo above).