Nathan McDonald, a high school biology and earth science teacher at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, is pursuing his EdS in Secondary Education (General Science 6-12 Certification) through UA Online. With a bachelor’s degree in biology from 2015 and a master’s degree in secondary education from 2018, Nathan is dedicated to expanding his educational horizons. He explained, “I felt I needed to elevate my education, take it to the next level to open up more opportunities for myself.”
In addition to teaching, Nathan coaches esports at Hillcrest and works as a group fitness instructor at Orangetheory Fitness, as he showed in a 2022 UA Online social media takeover video. “The convenience of an online program was too appealing to pass up,” said Nathan. “Committing to in-person can be difficult, even with the university nearby. The flexible coursework, especially with self-paced modules, makes it much easier. Professors regularly check in and provide feedback, allowing me to make necessary adjustments. So far, I’ve enjoyed having an online experience.”
Nathan credits his parents, two siblings and his girlfriend Kathryn for their support. “They help me stay grounded during stressful times,” said Nathan. With flexible classes and a strong support system, Nathan is able to balance work and life while earning his degree.
Nathan receives benefits from resources provided by the National Science Foundation to pursue his EdS. He said the foundation has “been exceptional in supporting my participation and professional development at conferences and learning communities. The support has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and engage with teachers.”
Alongside the support from the National Science Foundation, Nathan utilizes resources from the College of Education science department to enhance his teaching. He gains insight from UA professors who observe his classes, providing him with valuable feedback on his teaching practices and student engagement.
Nathan’s educational background has equipped him with a well-rounded skill set that he now applies in his classroom. As he pursues his EdS degree, Nathan said, he gains “a deeper understanding of how students learn, not necessarily from a psychological perspective but through discovering the most effective teaching methods. In the classroom, there are many instances of trial and error, trying different approaches to see what works and incorporating successful strategies into my lessons.”
Nathan’s hands-on approach to teaching, shaped by his degrees and experience, enables him to continually refine his techniques to better meet the needs of his ninth-grade biology and 12th-grade earth and space science students. His thorough preparation, which includes practical classroom experience and professional development opportunities, has made him an adaptable and effective educator. As he pursues further education through UA Online, Nathan is excited to enhance his skills and knowledge, ensuring he remains dedicated to fostering student success and embracing innovative teaching methods.
Published: September 27th, 2024