"I have taken classes at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and I can say my SCC classes have been every bit as good as the university classes. The class sizes are smaller so I've gotten more individual attention, and the professors are all willing to work with you. My husband was very ill during one of my classes, and my professor worked with me and had a lot of compassion about my situation. Plus, the campus feels very safe and very welcoming, kind of a small town feeling."

Debbie Kuntzman Pursuing Master of Arts in Teaching Lindenwood University

"I had been out of college for almost 18 years when I decided to go back for my teaching degree after having a career in human resource management. I was a little concerned about how I would do, but I was absolutely inspired by Dr. Lindstrom. Math was always a challenge for me, but I ended up with an "A" in both math classes because of her. Dr. Lindstrom had some way of getting through to me and instilling confidence. The education program at SCC is excellent, very organized, and a great bargain for the tuition."

"I knew the first time I observed a classroom that I wanted to be involved in educating children. And I got that opportunity early on in my college education because I chose to attend SCC.

Many of my friends who went to four-year colleges didn't get into the classroom until their junior year, and, unfortunately, some of them discovered - after much time and money - that teaching wasn't for them.

Through the education program at SCC, I had the chance to take core courses right away-for much less than it would have cost at a four-year college - and solidify my career decision.

I was also able to stay close to home, learn from the expertise of faculty members who were excellent teachers themselves, and get real-life experience in the classroom from the start.

INTERVIEW WITH ALUMNA DEBI WEAVER

Debi Weaver left a successful marketing career to pursue teaching. She began her education program at SCC and transferred to a teacher career transition program through the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Why did you choose the SCC education? What did it offer that another college didn't?

I originally chose SCC because it was inexpensive and very convenient in terms of driving distance and parking.

You already had a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Truman University. How did the quality of instruction compare with your prior university experience?

I’ll be honest. I was very skeptical of attending a community college. However, I quickly found all my perceptions about two-year schools to be wrong. The courses were as challenging as those at four-year schools I’ve attended.

How would you describe your experience with the education faculty?

The faculty have diverse experiences in the field of education; this helped me get multiple perspectives. They’re also involved in the local education community and have many contacts that they’re willing to share with their students.

What are you doing currently to use your SCC education courses?

I teach 8th Grade Algebra at Stowe Middle School in the St. Louis Public School District. There are many ideas that I have "stolen" from classes I had at SCC. Whether they are teaching methods, lesson plans, or classroom management ideas, they are being put to good use.

One thing I believe I took with me from Dr. Lindstrom's classes in particular: you don't finish your coursework and suddenly become the best teacher you can be.

Teaching is a journey. I get better at it each day, and it is my responsibility to keep learning and trying new things to reach my students.