Local teacher turns to UW-Whitewater’s online communication graduate program to advance skills, career

March 26, 2021

 

Camden Harlan has a strong passion for teaching.

She also has a passion for seeing her students succeed.

“I’m sure any teacher will tell you that their favorite thing about teaching is seeing a student light up when they understand what you’re teaching them; or when a student tells you they never thought they’d enjoy reading until now; or when they look at you with eyes of wonderment and trust.”

Harlan, who is currently in her second year of teaching at Whitewater High School, has a bachelor’s degree in English from UW-Whitewater and a master’s degree in education from Western Governors University. Her desire to communicate effectively with her students has led her to pursue a second master’s degree, one in communication, from UW-Whitewater.

“I’m pursuing a graduate degree in order to teach higher level courses at the high school and to grow personally and professionally. After I’ve reached my certification levels, I intend to keep taking courses in communications in order to achieve a second master’s degree. After all, teachers are professional communicators, so a degree in communications would only strengthen my effectiveness as an educator.”

She decided to enroll in UW-Whitewater’s online communication graduate program because of the community.

“The community of teachers and staff are outstanding. The level of sincerity, empathy, community, professionalism, and academia at UW-Whitewater is admirable, and quite honestly, rare.”

Harlan is also impressed by the personal connections she has been able to make with her professors in an online format.

“All of my courses are online, yet the professors are so personable. Their lectures are honest, involve current events, and allow students to feel like they’re right there in front of them.”

COVID-19 brought many types of challenges to teachers, but Harlan also notes that some effects of the pandemic have been for the better.

“By spending more time at home, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to researching and implementing more engaging and culturally relevant lessons into my plans. I’ve also been able to increase the amount of feedback I give my students. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned to relax a bit more and go with the flow.”

Considering the recent events in the U.S., Harlan hopes other programs will follow UW-Whitewater’s footsteps in implementing new, relevant curriculum.

“It’s my hope that in five years, all public teaching institutions will embrace a culturally relevant curriculum; that there will be more equity in funding public education; and that the teaching profession will be appreciated, honored, revered, and respected for every ounce of heart and soul that educators pour into their students. Every course on my way to a graduate degree has already ignited a fire in me to evolve our curriculum into one that embraces a culturally responsive pedagogy for our diverse community.”

Creating an inclusive curriculum is a major priority to her.

“Students need to see themselves in our classrooms, resources, and literature, which then builds their self-confidence, empathy, and cultural competence.”