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Beyond the Art Room: Matt’s Growth Through Literacy
As a veteran elementary art educator, I would never have expected to be on the cusp of earning my master’s degree in literacy from Furman University. Art education impacts a variety of content areas such as having students draw and label cells in science class, create a comic book for their writing class, or draw three dimensional forms in math. I specifically chose the literacy program to expand my teaching knowledge and skills, create art lessons that have a greater impact on my students, and to increase my opportunities for employment and job security.
As a full-time educator and father of two, I was anxious to start my master’s degree. My main concerns were how much time would be required and how the course load would impact my family life. Thankfully, the Furman master’s program was presented in a way that made learning online effortless and stress free.
Over the past two years, Furman’s literacy program allowed me to develop and practice my leadership skills. I have gained valuable experience from hands-on, real life leadership opportunities including researching and presenting literacy practices, leading coaching cycles, and interviewing and working alongside other literacy professionals. The knowledge and support from my professors pushed me to become a more capable and confident leader in my school community. The program has also allowed me to expand my employment opportunities, and I am now qualified to become a literacy teacher or literacy coach.
The professors in the Furman literacy program stand out not only for their knowledge and involvement in the education landscape as a whole, but in their willingness to support their students. The professors cared deeply about my success and were always available to discuss literacy strategies, assist with challenging situations, and provide valuable constructive feedback. After I graduate, I know that I can contact my professors to ask questions, discuss current research-based strategies, or just reconnect. I would encourage any educator who may be interested in earning their master’s degree to seriously consider the literacy program at Furman University.
Matt Smith is an art teacher at Taylors Elementary School in Taylors, South Carolina. He graduated from Furman with a degree in Studio Art in 2002 and graduated from the M.A.Ed. program with a concentration in Literacy in 2026.