NDSU OFFERS lifelong learning from anywhere

Thanks to the internet, lifelong learning is only a computer away. NDSU can make it happen.

“Teachers should be lifelong learners if we want to establish a love for learning in our students,” says Samantha Olson, an elementary music specialist at Eastwood Elementary School in West Fargo. “After completing my undergraduate degree from NDSU, I knew I wanted to continue taking classes to better my craft and advance my pay.”

Olson choose NDSU’s Master of Music in Music Education program because she could complete the majority of the coursework online. She and her husband moved to Iowa so he could complete chiropractic school, and he then pursued an internship in Indiana. During this time, Olson taught music education in each state while earning her master’s degree from NDSU.

“I loved having online courses. I was living in Iowa and Indiana at the time and could complete my course work on my own time. Instructions were clear and professors were always available via email when I had questions,” says Olson.

Instead of writing a thesis, Olson chose to complete a practicum project, which she still uses in her classroom today. Her assignment was to create something new for her classroom.

“What other program allows you to have your final project so applicable to your career?” asks Olson. She created an Orff-Schulwerk-based ukulele curriculum. She compiled a method book that contains five different lessons on how to sequentially teach introductory ukulele using a process that focuses on student choice and creativity. “Going into the project I had zero background on ukulele, but because of my practicum and the fact that I actually use my work in the classroom, I have learned so much.”

After Olson earned her degree and her husband finished his internship, they decided to move back home to West Fargo, where they were both born and raised. Olson teaches students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade the basic elements of music as they sing, say, dance and play. She plans to make Eastwood Elementary her “forever school.”

Olson encourages people passionate about music to pursue music teaching as a profession. “There are a lot of opportunities in the FM and surrounding areas. Our region is booming and schools are being built everywhere. We have a great community for future educators who want to stay in the area.” According to edjobsnd.com there are at least six open music teacher positions in the state.

“I have the best job in the world because I get to spend all day making music with kids,” says Olson, who always knew she wanted to be a teacher. “When I was in high school, I fell in love with music. I joked that when I grew up, I wanted to be Mrs. Jordahl, my 9th grade band and choir teacher. I’d say I’ve come pretty close.”