Learn Why One UD Degree Wasn't Enough for Sara Gartland

“I fell in love with the UD campus as soon as I visited in my senior year of high school. After the visit, I realized that UD was the place for me. Going to UD meant I could be close to the equestrian community in southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania.

I returned to UD after five years out teaching full time in nearby Cecil County, Maryland. I selected the master of education in teacher leadership program because it fit my needs and was 100% online with an accelerated schedule. I could work full time teaching high school and complete the master’s program in two years without overloading myself.

Then, while completing the master's, I met the professor who would become my Ph.D. advisor. When it was time to start my Ph.D. studies, UD was the only school I applied to, because of that professor.

The network for researching and improving pedagogy at UD is amazing. The faculty in the School of Education are supportive and caring. The connections you make while at UD — both professional and personal — will last well beyond your years there. It has been incredibly fulfilling to achieve academic goals and also advance my career in meaningful ways.

My undergrad education prepared me exceptionally well for my first years of teaching. Then, my first round of graduate work transformed how I was teaching while still in the classroom full time. My Ph.D. advisor is still influencing my work as a mathematics chair and teacher leader. My second round of graduate work prepared me for professional academic work like grant writing, presenting, writing articles and coalition-building. My UD degrees and the connections I made with faculty have helped me find a very fulfilling career path, from classroom teacher to teacher leader to education researcher, to, now, a wonderful mix of all three.”

- Sara Gartland