'Every Hike Has a First Step'

Ben Dodds MAT '22 was drawn to Pacific’s small class sizes and responsive professors and faculty. Dodds is a student in the master of arts in teaching program, and is pursuing his second career. He believes that teachers are positioned to make the world a better place, slowly but surely. 

Dodds is excited about the way Pacific is preparing him to teach in public schools. He started his observation at Madison Middle School in Eugene, Ore. "It has been very rewarding," said Dodds. "I am enjoying seeing theories turn into practice."

For other students entering the program, he has one thing to say.

“If you are considering teaching or a second career, try it. If you are considering graduate school, apply. If you are considering attending Pacific, go for it,” said Dodds. “Every hike has a first step.”

The master of arts in education program provides candidates with the opportunity to pursue a rigorous interdisciplinary study of the foundations of education. The program is available from the campuses in Forest Grove and Eugene. This advanced degree is suited for anyone interested in developing expertise in curriculum development, teaching practices and program evaluation.