I Earned My M.Ed. Degree Online. Here is My Advice to Aspiring Educators!  

I grew up in a former mill town in Lancashire, just outside Manchester. I never thought I would receive a university education but the school I attended was a big part of my life, and I had some great teachers who inspired me in my early years. I was also a curious child, always asking my family questions and reading dictionaries and encyclopedias. History fascinated me, but I still never imagined I would grow up to be a history teacher. Now when I look back and evaluate my interests from the beginning, it seems to be a natural choice. I love history.  

Earning My M.Ed.: A Transformative Learning Experience 

I was working in a school in the Netherlands as an IB program coordinator, and I was looking for M.Ed. options to further my formal knowledge and expertise in the field. The school could only support me with my major, which is history. One of my coordinator colleagues recommended UoPeople, as they feature on the IB list. I was excited at the prospect of affordable online education that I could fit into my busy schedule. It still took a few more years to take the plunge. Studying part-time on evenings and weekends, it took me two and a half years to graduate, but I am so glad I overcame my apprehensions and went back to school. 

My teaching career spans over two decades now. I am an experienced international educator by all means, but the courses at UoPeople greatly augmented my knowledge and understanding of both theory and practice, enabling me to flourish in my chosen career. For instance, the course titled “Living and Learning Globally” perfectly addressed the opportunities and challenges of living in a globally connected world. The M.Ed. curriculum made perfect sense to me. 

My Two Cents for Aspiring Educators 

Start When You Can: It’s Never Too Late! 

While I juggled online education with my demanding work schedule and family responsibilities every day, there were moments when I regretted not earning my M.Ed. sooner. Getting back to school in my forties took extra effort, but then I learned to look at the brighter side of things. I began to appreciate the flexibility afforded to me by UoPeople. I understood I could do my assignments so much more efficiently because of all the years of teaching experience I had under my belt. I found that I always had rich insights and examples that made my academic work more powerful. So, it’s never too late to go back to school. I would say, just do it! 

Manage Your Time: Plan and Prioritize 

I learned quite early in my life that being successful went hand-in-hand with efficient time management. My two-and-a-half years at UoPeople demanded efficient management of time and mental resources. I planned my calendar like one would a military operation; I had time for my assignments, family, and even time to keep fit and socialize—only because I learned to manage my time and prioritize. A healthy work-life balance is possible, but only if you plan carefully. 

Eyes Set on the Future 

Being an educator is a responsibility, and we must all keep our eyes fixed on the dream. While earning my M.Ed., I kept reminding myself of why I was doing it—I repeated to myself I wanted to shape the minds of tomorrow. My vision is rooted in shaping the educational landscape for future generations through curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and educational leadership. I aim to lead initiatives that foster inclusivity, diversity, and global citizenship while continuing my journey as a lifelong learner. If you, like me, want to empower students to become critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and active contributors to an ever-evolving world, start by gaining the education and skills needed to bring about the change you wish to see. 

Stay Committed 

My philosophy revolves around the belief that education transcends boundaries and empowers young people to realize their fullest potential. Whether in the classroom or beyond, strive to inspire others to achieve their dreams. It’s not just about imparting knowledge but instilling a thirst for learning and a belief in one’s ability to effect positive change. A firm commitment to lifelong learning and a belief in the transformative power of education underpins the pursuit of educational excellence. Face challenges with determination and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Have faith, your efforts will be rewarded.  

About the Author  

John Simpson is a Pedagogical Coordinator at a large Full Continuum IB World School, near Jeddah Saudi Arabia. His wife, Kathryn is also an educator. Together they are raising two boys aged 11 and 13 and feel blessed to be thriving in a multicultural environment. John’s educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that all young people desire happiness, success, and recognition. He strives to kindle a passion for learning in his students and guides them to become caring and principled community members. He relies strongly on planning, assessment, and inclusive teaching practices and has completed multiple leadership and instructional courses, including those from Harvard Graduate School of Education and UoPeople. In his leisure time, he likes to take long walks, travel, and play different sports. Prospective and current M.Ed. students can reach out to him at johnsimps@gmail.com.