The time is now.
The Time is Now
Educational Leadership Program Perfectly Timed for Special Ed Teacher
“My Ed Leadership degree became transformational for me the moment I was accepted. Just the idea that I would be immersed in an academic setting, virtually and in-person, that would allow me to apply what I’ve been learning to my ‘right now’ work has meant a great change in how I view what I do.” — Kim Van Acker
Kim Van Acker always dreamed of doing big things — making big changes, impacting lives on a large scale, and setting an unforgettable example as a strong leader. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Elon University, she became a special education instructor at Loudon County Public School.
“I had so many reasons why I was good enough where I was,” Kim says. “In fact for a long time, I suppressed my desire to pursue the path towards becoming an administrator. I had every reason: it cost too much, I didn’t have enough time, it wasn’t the right time,” Kim continues.
When it came to timing, Kim admits that a global pandemic wasn’t an ideal scenario. But one conversation with dynamic program chair Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson was all it took to persuade Kim that this was the time to start making moves on those paused ambitions.
“After one conversation with Dr. Tanner-Anderson, I was convinced that all of my reasons were excuses, and I needed to go for it,” Kim says. Once the decision was made, Kim was pleasantly surprised to find how easily the Educational Leadership program meshed with her life and existing schedule.
“The hybrid model has worked perfectly for me, giving me the flexibility to work around my life on all fronts. Beginning in the inaugural year of the Educational Leadership program meant that I had access to affordable tuition and program payment options which were perfectly aligned,” Kim explains.
As for the timing in the midst of global and national crises such as COVID-19 and other major moments of upheaval, Kim says that has made the experience that much more powerful and poignant.
“No one would have predicted that we would navigate the crisis of a global pandemic in the middle of our Geopolitics and Community Relations course. While difficult, we were able to immediately apply real-life experiences to the content that we were learning in our course,” Kim explains.
Kim also adds that current events have provided a powerful springboard for in-class conversations.
“Our visit to Moton Museum this fall was so moving,” Kim says. “I appreciate that Dr. Tanner-Anderson provides relevant experiences that will continue to reshape and enhance our work as educators.
For Kim, her educational leadership degree empowered her to advance her career forward.
“As a special education teacher, this has helped me to consider a variety of perspectives and methods of improving my work,” Kim says. “As an aspiring leader, it has allowed me the opportunity to view virtually all situations through the same lens.”
Thanks to Longwood University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies and the educational leadership program, Kim now knows that the next big dream is hers to conquer.