Allison Dagen
College of Applied Human Sciences
Allison pursued reading specialist certification immediately after graduating from college, and then left her middle school reading teacher position after a few years to earn her doctorate.
“With every phase, I always felt there was still so much more to learn about the reading and writing process. Now I am in a position where I get to read, think, question, and research issues around literacy, teaching and PreK-12 schools as part of my work. Each day, I am reminded there is always more to learn.”
Dagen says WVU Online’s Literacy Education, an advanced teaching degree, builds on what the PreK-12 teachers in the program already know through their daily classroom experiences. The teachers in the program owe it to themselves to grow in their content and pedagogical knowledge because it improves their confidence and ultimately their job satisfaction.
“It is an incredible professional, vocational graduate degree. I also remind the program’s students about the usability and range of the PreK-adult certification that comes along with earning the degree. This may open up future job opportunities outside of the PreK-12 schools, such as in a college learning center or around adult learning someday.”
In her own teaching, Dagen says she is guided by her heart. That means empathy and giving.
“Yes, of course, the content matters, but without a positive, mutually respectful relationship, learning may not happen in higher education or PreK-12 schools.”
“My teaching and advising style is built on 100% support and respect for my students, and 99% of them are working every day in PreK-12 schools, taking care of children and/or parents, and contributing to their communities through coaching or volunteer commitments.”