Emmanuel University SOE Graduate Program

09/04/2026

Interested in our MAT program? Hear what our graduates are saying:

Preston Mewborn

Professional Reflection
MED660

Looking back on this journey, I can honestly say I have grown a lot, not just as a student, but as a high school physical education teacher. When I first started, I thought being a good PE teacher meant keeping students active, organized, and under control. If they were moving and having fun, I felt like I was doing my job. But over time, I realized there is so much more to it
than that.

Going through this program, and especially completing my action research project, really changed how I think about teaching. I started paying closer attention to what my students were
actually learning, not just what they were doing. I began asking myself questions like, are they improving their skills, are they engaged for the right reasons, and how can I reach the students
who are not fully bought in? That shift helped me become more intentional with my lessons instead of just running activities.
I also feel a lot more confident now. Early on, I relied a lot on trial and error. Now I feel like I have a system. I can look at student performance, reflect on what worked and what did not, and
adjust my instruction. That has helped me step into more of a leadership role in my classroom and feel more secure in my decisions.

Another big change has been how I see my students. In PE, it is easy to focus on the more athletic kids, but I have learned how important it is to support every student, especially those
who may not feel confident or comfortable. I have worked to create an environment where all students can succeed and feel valued. Mills (2018) talks about becoming a reflective worker, and that really describes where I am now. I am not just running a gym class anymore. I am teaching with purpose, reflecting on my
practice, and constantly looking for ways to improve. I know I still have room to grow, but I feel ready for whatever comes next.

Mills, G. E. (2018). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher (6th ed.). Pearson.

(Shared with permission from Preston Mewborn)

08/18/2026

08/07/2026

Help a friend with their Education!

Who We Are Emmanuel University / Referral Program Help a friend further their career goals Degree Search Tool Request Information Campus Visits Schedule a Campus Tour Experience Day Events Registration…

08/04/2026

Fall classes start August 12th!

07/27/2026

Are you ready to advance your career? Emmanuel University offers two graduate programs designed to help educators and future educators reach their professional goals.
Our Master of Education in Elementary Education (M.Ed.) is designed for busy, certified educators seeking new career opportunities and a salary increase. The program is fully online, with students taking one or two classes every eight weeks. It can be completed in 12 to 24 months, depending on your needs. Endorsements are available in Reading, ESOL, Gifted Education, and Elementary Agriculture. Christian principles are integrated throughout each course.
Our Master of Arts in Teaching Initial Certification Program (MAT) is intended for individuals who have demonstrated content expertise and want to earn teaching certification in middle grades (4–8), secondary education (6–12), or most P–12 fields. Graduates enter the profession at the master’s degree level (T5), which may provide higher compensation than entering at the bachelor’s degree level.
The MAT program consists of 36 credit hours, or 12 classes, completed over four semesters: summer, fall, spring, and summer. Classes are offered online, with practicums completed in a public school system.
For more information about Emmanuel University and our online programs, please visit:
https://eu.edu/
You can also email me using the contact information below. I would be happy to help you determine which program best fits your career goals.
Sincerely,
Gina Thomason
[email protected]

Welcome to Emmanuel University, a Christian institution in Georgia offering a wide range of academic programs rooted in faith and excellence.

07/16/2026

Graduate Spotlight
(Summer graduates)

Hadasa Maldonado
2025-2026 MAT - Master of Arts in Teaching
Masters Student

"My name is Hadasa Maldonado, and I am honored to be graduating from Emmanuel University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. This fall, I am excited to begin my new role as a Spanish and French teacher at Franklin County High School, in a school system that has supported me throughout this journey. I chose Emmanuel because of its strong Christian values and its commitment to preparing educators to serve with excellence, integrity, and compassion. I am truly grateful for the knowledge, encouragement, and support I received throughout the program. I look forward to inspiring my students and helping them discover the joy of learning new languages and cultures."

07/15/2026

Graduate Spotlight
(Summer graduates)

Gabriel Hill

2025-2026 M.Ed.-Elementary Education (Gifted Endorsement)
Masters Student

Gabe currently teaches 3rd grade Math and Science at Elbert County Elementary School. He is finishing his Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a Gifted Endorsement. Gabe plans to continue his education after their son is born and eventually move into administration.

Gabe states, "I chose Emmanuel because I like that my learning and my faith are integrated. My relationship with God is the most important thing in my life, and I like the Christian-based education at Emmanuel."

07/14/2026

Graduate Spotlight
(Summer graduates)
Stacey Bragg
2023-2026 M.Ed.-Elementary Education (ESOL Endorsement)
Masters Student

Stacey Bragg currently teaches kindergarten at Carnesville Elementary. She will finish the M.Ed. program with an ESOL endorsement this summer. Stacey chose Emmanuel University because it fit in her busy life. She took classes at her own pace and loved the flexibility it offered.

07/13/2026

Graduate Spotlight
(Summer graduates)
Amara Hester
2025-2026 MAT - Master of Arts in Teaching
Masters Student

Amara currently teaches Agricultural Education at Adairsville High School, where she teaches Basic Agricultural Science, Animal Science & Biotechnology, Veterinary Science, and Small Animal Care. She also serves as the FFA advisor, and enjoys helping students develop leadership skills and a passion for agriculture through hands-on learning.

After completing her MAT this summer, Amara plans to continue growing as an educator while pursuing additional leadership opportunities in education.

Amara states "I chose Emmanuel University because of its strong Christian values and the flexibility it offered while I balanced teaching full-time, advising FFA, graduate school, and becoming a first-time mom. The support from the faculty made it possible to succeed through every season of life. I am thankful for everything I have learned through the program and for the relationships I built along the way. Emmanuel has helped me become a more confident and effective teacher, and I am grateful to be part of the first MAT graduating class."

Amara Hester