Catherine Cramer
BEST Program Graduate &
Fifth Grade Teacher
Linton Springs Elementary
Sykesville, MD

What appealed to you about graduate study at McDaniel?
I liked the evening classes, easy commute and support of the faculty as I needed to work full time.

What sets McDaniel apart from other graduate institutions you considered?
The support of the faculty is so incredible. While taking my mathematics education classes I felt comfortable saying “I don’t understand” and knew that I would receive direct instruction because of the class size and the instructor actually caring if I would be able to take my knowledge to the kids I would teach. Many of the tenured and adjunct professors had experience within area school systems or are still working in one. This provided me with learning experiences from experienced professionals.

How has a graduate degree from McDaniel help you reach your goals?
Attaining my master’s degree in elementary education from the McDaniel’s BEST program allowed me to hit the ground running as a classroom teacher. I was able to apply everything I learned but was also able to access the relationships that were built with many of my professors to ask questions and seek guidance. In addition, the connection between my education and the objectives of the county I worked for helped me to jump in to teaching with both feet. Because I was well prepared for the classroom experience I was presented with opportunities for growth and leadership early on. I am continuing my education by pursuing administrative certification that will open even more opportunities for me and trust that McDaniel will prepare me for this next leg of my journey in education as well as the first.

Why would you recommend McDaniel to other students, especially those seeking a degree in your field?
The faculty is amazing and you will walk away well-versed in the foundations of teaching. Many aspects of teaching are learned in your first year, after the classes and safety nets are removed. Every class you take and each encounter you have will prepare you to handle all the unexpected moments that are inevitable during the first, second, third and every year on out. There has not been one month that has passed where I don’t rely heavily on something I learned from my time at McDaniel. The faculty at McDaniel will continue to support you after graduation and there is nothing more soothing to a first year teacher than an email saying ‘I always knew you could do it’.