After dropping out of high school, Nashid Atkins earned a GED (General Education Development) diploma. Now, he is the first person in his immediate family to hold a master’s degree. Times two.
“I work in special education, so I got a master’s degree in that area,” he said. “I wanted to open up my horizons even more, so I went back to school for another one. I love being in the classroom.”
Atkins graduated from the online Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction – Instructional Coach/Teacher Leader PreK-12 program at Emporia State University (ESU) in December 2021.
“I heard that Emporia State is one of the teacher colleges here in Kansas,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that I was getting some valuable information and education through them, which I did. I knew they had expertise in working with teachers.”
Atkins is in his fifth year as an educator at Sowers Alternative High School, but he has worked for the same school district, Wichita Public Schools, since 2012. He was a veteran online student when he enrolled at ESU.
“Earning a master’s degree online was very manageable,” he said. “It wasn’t overwhelming, and it kept me busy throughout the year-and-a-half I was in the program.
“It’s important to understand that the program is flexible and works around your schedule. Also, it’s valuable for our work in education. Especially if you’re looking to switch positions within your school, it’s something I would recommend.”
True Calling
Once Atkins completed his GED in his hometown of Wichita, he made his first foray into higher education while still seeking a career path to pursue.
“I went to college and thought about going into communications,” he said. “Then, a para-educator position opened up that I accepted. Coming in and being able to communicate with the students and make an impact on their lives made me want to teach.”
Atkins graduated with a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education at Wichita State University in 2017. Two years later, he added the first master’s degree he earned online from Southwestern College in special education, then enrolled at ESU the following year. Atkins quickly applied the skills he was gaining in the program to his job, particularly with increased leadership responsibilities at work.
In addition to bringing what he has learned to his classroom, Atkins is applying his knowledge to volunteer work. He provides professional development for GLSEN, a program that promotes safe spaces for all students in the school district, allowing for open dialogue and embracing diversity.
“I especially enjoyed the Education Leadership Theory course in the master’s program at ESU,” he said. “I was able to home in on my leadership skills and think critically on meaningful topics pertaining to equity and equality.”
Twice As Nice
With a second master’s degree under his belt, Atkins hopes to transition to a new role in his career as a teacher leader.
“I want to still work in the classroom, help teachers and be a good go-to point,” he said.
While spending the majority of the last seven years pursuing advanced degrees, Atkins had a strong support system in place with his family and friends encouraging him.
“Some of them weren’t surprised I went back for another master’s degree because I’ve been in school for so long, but I am done now,” he said.
Atkins, who recently bought a house, believes the degree he earned from ESU will help him achieve his career goals because it complements his real-world experience.
“The master’s degree will help open up career opportunities for me,” he said. “I’ve garnered so much knowledge out of the program. I would definitely recommend it to other educators.”
How’s that for a comeback story?
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online M.S. in C&I – Instructional Coach/Teacher Leader PreK-12 program.
