Alumni Spotlight: Lindsey Good, MSEd

This week, we are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by spotlighting of some of our students who have dedicated their professional lives to education. Teachers provide so much to their students and communities and have a profound impact on the lives they touch. We want to honor some of these very special teachers who are also our education program students, and who are making a difference every day in their classroom.

Lindsey Good is one of these teachers and a student in our MSEd program. She knows firsthand how impactful teachers are in the lives they touch. Lindsey’s high school English teacher made learning so relevant and engaging for her that it inspired Lindsey to dedicate her to career giving back as a teacher herself.

Learn more about our online Graduate Programs in Education

Can you tell me a little bit about your background?

I grew up in Portland, and love all that Maine has to offer. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maine at Farmington in 2011, with a degree in Middle and Secondary Education, and a concentration in English Language Arts.

After graduating, I worked as an Educational Technician for three years, before transitioning into my first teaching job at Youth Building Alternatives. While there, I taught alternative education to students between 16 and 24, who were not successful in a traditional educational program. In addition to academics, students learned many vocational skills and received support to transition into a career or post-secondary education.

While at YouthBuild, I participated in their fellows program and went on to become a fellowship coach. I had the opportunity to collaborate with teachers throughout the country and create lessons that can be implemented at YouthBuild programs nationwide. Last summer, I began teaching special education at The Collaborative School, where I work with high school students with varying learning and behavioral needs.

How did you get interested in the field of Education?

I have always enjoyed working with kids, and really became interested in teaching when I was in high school. I had an English teacher who made learning relevant and engaging by building in real life experiences, such as community involvement. Once we did a creative writing unit, where she took us to the Portland Public Market for a day. We spent the whole day walking around and observing people and jotting down notes. We then used those observations and notes to write a creative story which we worked on throughout the year.

When I entered college, I thought I wanted to teach elementary education, but quickly gravitated to middle and secondary education.

What drew you to UNE Online?

Since finishing my undergraduate degree, I have wanted to complete my master’s degree in education. Despite this, I was always daunted by the idea of taking on graduate school with a full-time job. However, when I learned that UNE’s program was offered entirely online, I jumped at the opportunity. As a student at UNE, I am never required to go to campus for classes, which allows me the flexibility to complete coursework on my own schedule.

I only have three more classes left!

What do you like most about studying at UNE Online?

The aspect I enjoy most about completing coursework through UNE online is the ability to choose classes that fit my needs as a teacher. All students in the education program are required to complete five core classes, as well as five elective classes. These elective classes allow a great deal of flexibility and choice. To best support the students who I work with, I have been able to complete five inclusion classes through UNE online. These classes have helped me to understand the legal perimeters of special education, as well as tools for technology integration and collaboration to support all learners.

In addition to the choice offered through elective classes, I also appreciate the amount of support I have received throughout my time as a student at UNE online. The support staff are always readily available to answer questions and point me in the right direction. This has been particularly helpful when preparing to register for new classes each semester, and in helping me to organize my course plan.

Read more: Financial Aid at UNE Online: An Overview

If there’s one thing you would want a potential student to know before starting in this education program, what would it be?

One thing I would recommend for potential students entering the program is to create and use a weekly schedule throughout each class. While courses are asynchronous, it’s important to carve out times throughout the week to keep up with reading, discussion responsibilities, and weekly assignments.

What would say your favorite thing about teaching is?

I would say my favorite thing about teaching is helping students to recognize how capable they are, especially when faced with tasks that are new or challenging. I want my students to recognize that learning is a process and that their skills will improve with practice. I greatly appreciate when students are willing to try something new, and are pleasantly surprised by their own capabilities.

Lastly, tell us two truths and a lie about yourself. We’ll post the answer at the end of the article.

I have been stung by a jellyfish.

I have a hound dog who thinks all things are edible.

I have been skydiving.

If you are interested in the online Graduate Programs in Education or if you would like more information on UNE Online’s MSEd, PMC, CAGS or Ed.D. programs, please reach out to an Enrollment Counselor at (800) 994-2804 or via email at education@une.edu. 

Learn more with our online Graduate Programs in Education Guide

If you’re ready to apply, fill out your online application at online.une.edu/gateway-portal-page.

And just FYI, Lindsey has never been skydiving!