When Jena Peters was considering an advanced degree, Shippensburg University’s ideal location and reputation for teacher education made it a great fit.

“The professors understand that teachers are teaching during the day and doing graduate school as well,” Peters said. “They understand we are changing the world and trying to improve our own. It’s hard but feasible and they work with you.”

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in education from Lock Haven University in 2014, Peters is now in Ship’s Curriculum and Instruction, Secondary History Concentration, M.Ed. program.

“The History Department in particular has one week long course over the summer geared towards educators. The length and content is beneficial for teachers,” Peters said.

Unique experiences like those offered from the History Department aren’t the only benefit Peters has found during her time at Ship. She’s been pleased to have the same professor multiple times in class, forming a close bond and receiving personalized attention. The program’s flexibility has been welcome too.

“I was granted the ability to take an independent study to complete a course with a professor. This made the program even more ideal for me and will lead to even more success in my career,” Peters said.

Peters began teaching ninth grade social studies at Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 2014. After three years, she was hired by the Cumberland Valley School District to teach seventh grade social studies at Mountain View Middle School.

“What is also awesome is that a lot of the students I taught my first two years of teaching are attending Shippensburg University now. I look forward to seeing them on campus and love watching them grow up and all of their successes.”

Read more stories from the Class of 2021.