From the Classroom to the World: Kate’s Adventure

I am currently a third-grade teacher at Blythe Academy of Languages in Greenville, South Carolina. This is my third year teaching. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Literacy Education. Before beginning at Blythe, I taught English for a year in Cantabria, Spain. Since living in Spain, I have dreamed of embarking on another adventure, immersing myself in a new culture and gaining valuable international teaching experience. As a result, I have accepted a teaching position in Medellin, Colombia, for the 2026-2027 school year.

As an undergraduate student at Furman, I learned firsthand the value of an education at Furman. During my first four years, my professors inspired me to be a teacher who celebrated diversity, inspired creativity and encouraged critical thinking. When thinking about furthering my education and professional skills, I knew I wanted to surround myself with the best of the best!

While completing my master’s degree in Literacy at Furman, I had many opportunities to practice being a leader on my grade level team, among teachers at my school and alongside my classmates. The assignments given by my professors challenged me to go beyond my classroom duties. In one class, I was able to plan and implement a professional development workshop on writing for my entire school. Through group projects, I learned to give and receive constructive feedback. I practiced evaluating and adjusting literacy curriculum to include research-based practices. In classes where tutoring was required, I honed my expertise in teaching foundational reading skills by working one-on-one with students of various abilities. Each of these opportunities has helped me grow into a confident teacher and leader of literacy.

I am truly a different teacher now compared to the one I was before I began my master’s at Furman. Because of my time at Furman, I speak with confidence among my coworkers as we analyze data, discuss strategies and plan for student success. The program strengthened not only my knowledge but also my professional voice. One of my professors and mentors, Dr. Katie Kelly, has opened my eyes to the professional world of education through conferences and publications. With her guidance, I have had the opportunity to attend and present at numerous state and national conferences. These experiences and opportunities for professional collaboration have cultivated a continued love of learning. Since graduating, I have been inspired to push myself further. As a result, I have decided to pursue a specialist degree in TESOL. My professional experiences at Furman demonstrated the value of research, collaboration and continuous practice development to better support my students.

Being an educator is a wonderful calling. There is something truly special about guiding students through their education journeys. Unfortunately, educators, specifically literacy educators, are facing a lot of scrutiny right now. National headlines condemn teachers for students’ reading achievement. As someone with a master’s degree in literacy, I am well-informed and empowered to discuss the realities of education, propose solutions and advocate for research-based practices. I believe having a master’s degree has helped me become a better teacher for my students in the classroom and advocate for students out of my classroom. I feel empowered to be a leader in the field of education with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference.

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Kate Massey is a third-grade teacher at Blythe Academy of Languages in Greenville, South Carolina.