Alumni Spotlight: Aisha Scott uses her MESA program skills toward activism

Aisha Scott wanted to feel prepared in her professional life. In 2020, Scott graduated with a Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment and she never felt more ready to pursue the next phase in her career.

As a fifth-grade teacher, Scott reflects on how she’s been able to apply her knowledge and skills that have changed the way her students demonstrate their learning. She’s also been able to apply her qualitative skills to the Black Lives Matter movement.

What specific factors led you to choose the online MESA program? 

The online MESA program allowed the flexibility I needed in my personal and professional life. As a working-mother with a toddler, I lacked the support system needed to attend in-person classes. The asynchronous format allowed me to digest the material and connect with professors whenever I needed.

What skills did you gain through your MESA program at UIC and how do you use them today? 

There were quite a few skills I gained throughout the program. My qualitative skills have been used the most since I’ve graduated. Under Dr. Teasdale’s tutelage, I learned how to conduct interviews and focus groups. This knowledge was instrumental in creating my hybrid exhibition, Black Lives Matter: A Child’s Vision. After the death of several African Americans in 2020, I co-organized a Black Lives Matter protest in my community. Over 300 people attended. History was made that day and I decided to archive our efforts. I solicited protesters to share their experience of the protest and reflect on our nation’s climate at the time. Without the qualitative training I received in the online MESA program, I would not have been able to create the exhibition.

I also applied for a fellowship through the NEA Foundation and I was 1 of 50 teachers accepted nationwide as a Global Learning Fellow. This year-long professional development will help me develop the knowledge and skills to integrate global competency into my daily classroom instruction, advocate for global competency within my school and district, and help students to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. I will travel to Washington D.C to learn from our nations top educators in International Education and in July 2023 I will travel to South Africa to study their educational system.

How has your MESA degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

As a fifth-grade teacher, I view assessments differently. I know how to create a unit of study and align a variety of assessments to the unit. This knowledge has changed the way my students demonstrate their learning. The training I received in assessments lead to me receiving an “excellent” rating using the Charlotte Danielson Evaluation tool.

What was a challenge you faced during your program, and who or what helped you overcome it? 

Coming into the program I was apprehensive about the statistics courses. I had never taken a statistic course and I was nervous about it being online. After purchasing the book and reading the weekly notes, I found myself getting the hang of it. Whenever I felt confused, I was able to reach out to my professor, Dr. Smith. He would always respond within 24 hours and his explanation/notes were extremely helpful. I passed with an A! I knew if I could pass this class, I could succeed in the others.

What was the biggest takeaway from your MESA degree? 

After completing the online MESA degree, I felt prepared to pursue a PhD, become a program evaluator, conduct research and the list goes on! You will be prepared to move into the next phase of your career.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) to prospective students considering the MESA degree at UIC? 

This degree will set you apart. With the knowledge and skills you gain from the program you become a specialist (depending on your field). Since the program courses are online and asynchronous, it’s important to create a schedule you will follow. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors, they want to see you succeed!

MESA online quantitative research graduates are in high demand. Receiving this nationally ranked graduate degree or certificate, students are ready to succeed in a variety of research settings and environments. Choose from two online programs, a Master of Education Degree or a Graduate Certificate, and begin your journey today. To learn more about these online programs, visit http://mesaonline.ec.uic.edu/programs/contact-us.