Walden student Stephanie Haynes, a middle school academic math coach in Jones County, Ga., has been appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The commission sets and applies high standards for teacher certification, teacher preparation and ethics.

Haynes, of Macon, Ga., recently earned her M.S. in Education with a specialization in Mathematics (Grades 6–8) after spending about 18 months in the Walden program she describes as “an unforgettable journey.” She credits her Walden experience with giving her the relevant, research-based information and knowledge of best practices to make a difference on the Professional Standards Commission, as well as in her school.

“I’ve always been on a mission to change the societal view of math and instruction,” Haynes says, “and to impact the state, which will impact the nation, is a great opportunity.”

In late December, she received a call saying she’d been highly recommended for the appointment, but to this day doesn’t know who recommended her. In January, she was sworn in. She now attends monthly meetings at the Georgia State Capitol to discuss and oversee issues ranging from budgets to licensure to approving new programs and standards.

“I am expected to be professional, knowledgeable and equipped to make a difference in the lives of students through governing educators,” Haynes says. “This is indeed evidence of evolving as a professional and scholar-practitioner through participation in Walden’s program. Often in various meetings, I am able to identify with research shared [and] best practices pondered as a direct result of exposure through Walden University. I have indeed been transformed and use the transformation to make a difference in education.”

At Clifton Ridge Middle School, which happens to be in the same district she attended as a student, she shares her passion for mathematics and her love of children as an academic coach—a teacher of teachers. “My roles include supporting teachers in their delivery of curriculum, assessment and instruction to support student success in mathematics,” says Haynes, who earned her bachelor’s degree at Mercer University and is certified as a master teacher.

For Haynes, the Walden program has greatly enhanced her content knowledge, collaborative efforts and commitment to learning, and she has been able to share many strategies, tools and techniques. She says she appreciates the program’s emphasis on collaboration, which minimizes the “silo mentality” of teachers working alone. Similarly, Haynes credits her weekly Walden experiences for helping her facilitate weekly content planning with teachers in her building. She now includes time for reflection, thanks to the reflective essays she did for Walden.

Haynes—who has a teenager and felt supported in her busy schedule—says she constantly mentions Walden to her colleagues and that two have enrolled (a third is still weighing his options). “My Walden experience has been more than rewarding,” Haynes says. “I have transformed as a result of an experience of a lifetime.” 

 

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