Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree Longwood University Graduate & Professional Studies

In this episode of Longwood Gradcast: Beyond the Degree, our host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson interviews Allison Donlan, a dedicated educator and TRIPLE Lancer, about her academic and personal journey at Longwood University. 

Allison shares her pathway through obtaining a bachelor's in elementary education, a master's in educational leadership, and her current pursuit of a graduate endorsement in reading, literacy, and learning. Inspired by great K-12 teachers and influenced by a speech given by Dr. T-A during an undergraduate classroom visit, Allison emphasizes the role of passionate educators in shaping her career. She details how her education at Longwood, combined with real-world experiences such as serving as a graduate assistant for the special education department, teaching first grade, and leading reading literacy initiatives, have fundamentally shaped her teaching philosophy and career aspirations. Allison attributes much of her success to the supportive Longwood community, including professors and cohort members, and discusses the importance of collaboration, lifelong learning, and making a difference in the education field. 

She also shares insights into her strategies for fostering a love of reading among students, both in the classroom and at home. She highlights her goals to further impact education as a reading specialist and possibly in administration and curriculum development. Allison’s journey underscores the value of multifaceted professional development and community support in cultivating a fulfilling career in education.

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Website: www.Longwood.edu/Gradprograms 

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Longwood GradCast Beyond the Degree. In this episode, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Sadie Hodges, BS’19, MS’20, a proud Longwood double alum and a passionate force in the field of special education. Sadie shares an inspiring journey from her early days influenced by memorable educators, through her involvement with the nonprofit Jacob's Chance, to her current role impacting the lives of her special education students. Revealing her path through Longwood's five-year special education program and graduate experiences, including her groundbreaking work with the Longwood Life program and international presentations, Sadie showcases the power of passion-driven education. This conversation dives deeper into the transformative role of technology in special education, highlights meaningful and life-changing student interactions, and reflects on the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.

Sadie's commitment to transition services for students after high school, her vision for inclusive education, and her accolades, including the Jacob Leonard Mission Award, underscore her remarkable contribution to the field. Join us for a heartwarming exploration of dedication, mentorship, and the enduring impact one can have in the lives of students with special needs.

Subscribe to our channel and don’t miss out as we sit down with other successful Lancer’s and hear their stories. Follow us on social media to keep updated with Longwood CGPS.

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Twitter: @longwoodcgps @DoctorT_A @sadie_hodges 
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Website: www.Longwood.edu/Gradprograms 

In episode three of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson talks to guest Kevin Napier BS’18, MS’21, a double alum from Longwood University. The discussion revolves around Kevin's journey from pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Longwood to working in the advancement office at the same institution. Kevin shares how his master's degree diversified his qualifications and opened up new career doors for him. Also touching on his experiences as a middle school teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin discusses the shift in his career from K-12 to higher education. 

Listen and enjoy as we delve into a conversation about the value of a master's degree in leadership roles and how the social justice focus of the educational leadership program played a significant role in Kevin’s career. 

Subscribe to our channel and don’t miss out as we sit down with other successful Lancer’s and hear their stories. Follow us on social media to keep updated with Longwood CGPS.

Facebook: @longwoodgraduatestudies
Instagram: @longwoodgradstudies
Twitter: @longwoodcgps @DoctorT_A @CoachNapierIYG
Youtube: @longwoodgradstudies 
Website: www.Longwood.edu/Gradprograms 

In our second episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, we invite you to join us as we sit down with an outstanding double alum, Maddie Hommey BS’21, MS’22 (a Health & Physical Education alum). Enjoy a riveting conversation as our host, Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson, speaks with Maddie about the incredible opportunities that can unfold with determination and a graduate assistantship. Maddie shares her story of how this unique opportunity allowed her to not only pursue her master's degree but also to diversify her skillset in unexpected ways.
Discover how Maddie leveraged her graduate assistantship to gain valuable marketing skills, which eventually led her to a part-time marketing role within Longwood, a position she continues to excel in while simultaneously teaching. We delve into how this additional year at Longwood, made possible by her graduate assistantship, influenced her career trajectory and broadened her horizons.
Join us in exploring Maddie's inspiring journey as she highlights the transformative power of graduate assistantships, illustrating how they can unlock new skills, shape your career, and offer you unique opportunities to enrich your educational experience.

Subscribe to our channel and don’t miss out as we sit down with other successful Lancer’s and hear their stories. Follow us on social media to keep updated with Longwood CGPS.

Facebook: @longwoodgraduatestudies
Instagram: @longwoodgradstudies
Twitter: @longwoodcgps @DoctorT_A @maddiehommey 
Youtube: @longwoodgradstudies 
Website: www.Longwood.edu/Gradprograms

In the first episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, we invite you to join us as we sit down with two remarkable double alums, Ginny Gills BS’89, MEd’05 (a Reading, Literacy, & Learning alum) and Pamela Stepko BS’07, MS’16 (an Educational Leadership alum). Our host, Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson, speaks with these two dedicated educators whose experiences at Longwood helped them to become influential leaders in the field of education.

We kick things off by delving into their personal journeys, tracing their paths from being Longwood students, both undergrad and graduate, to the educational leaders they are today. As Lancers turned leaders, their stories provide a glimpse of the possibilities that await future educators and Longwood students.

Ginny, principal of Cumberland Elementary School in Cumberland County, Virginia, shares how her Longwood experience has left an indelible mark on the school culture she has cultivated within her institution. Discover the significance of hiring Longwood alumni and how it contributes to the remarkable success of a school.

Pamela, a recipient of the prestigious national Virginia Milken Educator of the year Award in 2022, takes us through her teaching journey, highlighting the role Longwood played in her path to excellence. Together, we explore the power of collaboration between Longwood alumni and how it fosters a supportive and successful educational environment.

The conversation broadens to address the current challenges in education, emphasizing why Longwood alumni are uniquely equipped to tackle them head-on. Ginny and Pamela offer invaluable advice for aspiring educators considering Longwood or those venturing into the world of education.

If you would like to build your professional network, Ginny and Pamela would love to connect with you and support your educational aspirations! They invite you to find them on Twitter: @GinnyGills @Pstepko #ccesdukes

Subscribe to our channel and don’t miss out as we sit down with other successful Lancer’s and hear their stories. Follow us on social media to keep updated with Longwood CGPS.

Facebook: @longwoodgraduatestudies
Instagram: @longwoodgradstudies
Twitter: @longwoodcgps @DoctorT_A
Youtube: @longwoodgradstudies 
Website: www.Longwood.edu/Gradprograms