Shortly after graduating from the Northwest Missouri State University Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership online program, Melrick Bogier received his first offer for an assistant principal role. Now an administrator in
in the Wentzville School District near St. Louis, Missouri, he has a doctorate degree in his sights.
The Perks of Virtual Learning
When he began pursuing his educational leadership degree, Melrick was a working teacher who needed flexible study options. He found that online learning fit perfectly into his busy lifestyle. “Online courses worked for me because of my sleep schedule. I’m up pretty early, so I would get my coursework done in the morning prior to the world waking,” he said. “I never had any technical issues. Everything always worked well.”
The supportive Northwest faculty helped ensure he had a positive experience. “The professors had a lot of wisdom and were always willing to share,” he said. “No matter who I was talking to, from my admissions counselor to the Dean of the educational school, it was always a great experience. That was pivotal. I always had a resource that I could pull from.”
Melrick also benefited from engaging in course discussions with his diverse classmates. “We had conversations with people from different schools, rural districts, urban districts, small schools, large schools, new educators and experienced educators,” he said. “We had the younger generation and the older generation coming together. It was such a great cornucopia of understanding.” He believes exposure to varying perspectives helped him become a more well-rounded educator.
Applying Learning In Real Time
As he studied, Melrick integrated some new tools in his classroom. “I was able to use the things I was learning in class immediately. I could literally put it into action the same day,” he said. Even now, he continuously refers to course materials for his work. “I still have a lot of the books in my office today. These books are ones that I’ve highlighted, underlined and [added] sticky notes to. There’s always something I need to go back to.”
The career-relevant coursework prepared him to step into a higher-level role. He learned to use data to plan for student progress, expand his leadership skills and contemplate how his decisions would impact an entire school. “The degree program gave me the purview to look beyond my 25 students and consider the building full of hundreds of students,” he said. “That played a great part in my ability to walk into an interview and know how to talk on an administrative level.”
He credits the Northwest online master’s degree in educational leadership program for quickly helping him and his classmates stand out for advanced opportunities. “We celebrated because, toward the end of the program, everyone started getting interviews, jobs and promotions,” he said. “So I think everybody’s happy.”
Extending Learning For An Impactful Future
Melrick is so satisfied with the career boost from his master’s in educational leadership that he plans to pursue the Ed.S. Educational Leadership K-12 program. “I registered to go back to Northwest for my doctorate because … Why would I go anywhere else?” Plus, he is hoping to continue growing as a role model for students. “As a Black male, I am part of a small percentage of educators,” he said. “I want students from the inner city to know you don’t have to be able to catch a ball or rap a lyric to live a good life. I’m not an athlete. I’m not a singer. I’m an educator and I have a good life based on that.” He believes his career progress can influence more children to diversify their goals and even become future education system leaders.
Build The Knowledge and Skills You Need To Manage Schools
The 100% online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership online program from Northwest Missouri State University will prepare you to support students and staff with academics, behavior and daily operations. Learn to design positive educational experiences, foster strong relationships with students and personnel, and implement effective systems for communication and engagement. Gain a thorough understanding of curriculum planning, instructional practice and data literacy. Consider the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in schools. The curriculum prepares you for certification in Educational Leadership.
The MSEd. in Educational Leadership online program will empower you to pursue roles such as:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Education Director
- District Administrator
- Instructional Coordinator
- Site Coordinator
Learn more about the online MSEd. in Educational Leadership program.
Northwest offers a variety of specialized online education program options. Check out our other online education programs.
