From fitness trainer to classroom teacher

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File Under: Outcomes

Michael McMorrow already had a career that he enjoyed. As a trainer at Zephyrs 24-Hour Fitness, he transitioned into working with young people.

“I started coaching wrestling, and really enjoyed helping the children learn and grow. I decided I wanted to do this full time,” said McMorrow, who is employed at Rittman Middle School.

Malone’s Graduate Licensure Program – which allows a student to simultaneously earn a master’s degree in education and a teaching license – seemed like the perfect fit. But with work responsibilities, would he be able to squeeze graduate school into his schedule?

“The program is convenient because you only meet two times a week,” McMorrow said. “Every professor I've had has been amazing. They truly care about your education and will do anything to help.”

The program encourages the student to build upon prior experience and a general aptitude for teaching, offering relevant courses and field experiences that allow future teachers to hone the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be an effective educator. It also fosters the sharing of experiences and ideas, allowing students to learn from each other.

“It has been fun meeting new people and learning through their experiences the past two years,” McMorrow said.

He is training to become an intervention specialist and will be one of the first to graduate from this program. He’s excited to see what the future holds. McMorrow said the program is both intense and challenging, but would recommend the program to anyone interested in teaching.

“Everyone at Malone has been extremely helpful,” he said. “I can't wait to call myself a Malone alum.”