Teacher Wins Presidential Academic Excellence Award
For third-grade teacher Justine Hurley, the pursuit of learning never stops.
Justine has spent the last 13 years of her teaching career at White Sulphur Springs Elementary in Montana. In 2019, she was the recipient of one of the U.S. Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching.
This award recognizes teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. It鈥檚 also the highest honor given by the United States government specifically for K鈥�12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.聽
For some, earning that level of achievement might鈥檝e been enough鈥攂ut not for Justine.
鈥淕etting the Presidential Award really spurred me to get my master鈥檚 degree,鈥� Justine said. 鈥淚t pushed me to that next level of teaching by becoming a student again so I could become a better teacher.鈥�
With the nearest college more than two hours away, Justine started to explore her online education options.
鈥淚 knew going to a traditional college to get a master鈥檚 degree was not an option. But I was never going to increase my pay if I didn鈥檛 get one,鈥� she said.聽聽
After looking into online universities, Justine landed on 黑料传送门.
鈥淚 knew 黑料传送门 was my option. My schedule didn鈥檛 have to change to get my master鈥檚 degree. I held all my other jobs and was still able to get my degree in seven months.鈥�
Because of 黑料传送门鈥檚 competency-based education model, Justine was able to move through courses quickly and tap into her teaching experience to progress even faster.聽聽聽
鈥淚 wanted my experience to mean something. I wanted it to have value, and at 黑料传送门, my past experience in teaching held accountability,鈥� she said.
Since earning her聽Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction聽at 黑料传送门, Justine鈥檚 latest passion is to inspire and grow the聽teaching community.
鈥淚 would say to anyone wanting to get their teaching degree that any time is the best time. These kids are here, and they鈥檙e waiting for a really good teacher.鈥�
