Caledonia educator earns master’s to better every student
Local educator Katie Studdard teaches 110 students daily. Her passion to meet the needs of all learners led her to become a student again.
This week, Studdard will begin her sixth year as an art teacher for Caledonia Middle School and 20th year overall as an educator, having previously taught at West Lowndes Elementary School and Annunciation Catholic School. Each day, she teaches six different classes.
“My students range from general education learners to those with autism, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. I’m tasked with meeting all of their needs in 55 minutes,” Studdard said. “It’s not easy, but every single one of them deserves to be taught in a way that works for them.”
With the drive to improve her classroom and herself, Studdard called Dr. Hope Durst, faculty member in the School of Education at Mississippi University for Women, in early 2024 to inquire about pursuing an advanced degree in education. Durst’s response was simple and encouraging: “You can do it.”
Soon after the conversation, Studdard enrolled to pursue a master’s degree in education with a special education add-on offered through the School of Education. The 30-hour graduate degree program emphasizes advanced pedagogical and research skills, instructional supervision, and the integration of theory with practice.
Over the next year, Studdard balanced her profession, personal life and studies in the pursuit of excellence. Often reminded by Dr. Alison Buhler, assistant professor of education, “You can’t get higher than an A.” From late nights to early mornings, Studdard found faculty members—such as Dr. Chrystal Hodges, Dr. Christy Adams and Buhler— always available and approachable.
“Katie is an exceptional student with a remarkable enthusiasm for learning. She is highly motivated and consistently sets high standards for herself,” said Hodges, associate professor of education and program coordinator for the master of education. “As a teacher, Katie’s eagerness and dedication to education are truly impressive. She builds strong relationships with her students and works diligently to enhance their performance, motivation and morale.”
Studdard is already proud of the transformation she’s experienced and the impact it’s had on students. “This program has pushed me to think differently about how I teach and why I teach,” she said. “I see a difference in my students because I’ve changed how I show up for them.”
Her capstone project focused on the Whole Schools Initiative (WSI) and the use of the arts as a vehicle to support high-quality education and instruction for all students.
“Her unwavering commitment to fostering an arts-integration curriculum will not only enhance her students’ educational experiences but also strengthen the overall educational framework of her school and district,” said Hodges.
Studdard will receive her degree during The W’s summer commencement ceremony Friday, July 25, at 11 a.m. in Rent Auditorium, Whitfield Hall, on The W’s campus.
With her master’s degree almost in hand, she’s hopeful for what comes next. “At the end of the day, I just want to make sure every student in my classroom feels like they belong, like they’re capable and like they matter.”