Quantifiable Quality

Terry Schneekloth ’91 ’16 MAEd says being a Mount Mercy graduate got his foot in the door at two school districts he's applied to and worked in.

MMU: What drew you to the MAEd program at MMU?

TS: The main reasons for choosing Mount Mercy for my MAEd were my familiarity with the school and faculty, along with the ability to take one class at a time. I was also able to receive the TEACH grant to make the classes very affordable. I was very aware of the quality of the education department at Mount Mercy and found that comfort and time convenience were a winning combination for me.

MMU: What is unique about our MAEd program? What do you think is the program’s biggest strength?

TS: Mount Mercy makes relationships a priority. Their ability to take several professionals and get them to work together on a challenging, yet rewarding curriculum is unique. All of the students come in with a different history and goal, but being able to utilize those viewpoints to help each individual reach the outcome they are looking for is impressive.

MMU: What is your current position? Where do you hope to be in the future and how will your MAEd degree from MMU help you get there?

TS: I’m currently a math teacher at Jefferson High School. I teach in the BlendED Academy, which is a school-within-a-school made up of multi-departmental grouping of students and teachers. My current assignment is teaching algebra (multiple levels), finite math, and AP statistics.

I hope to remain in my position through the rest of my career. I love teaching in the BlendED Academy and the higher-level math classes. I’m able to use the topics and skills I learned at Mount Mercy at all the levels of math that I teach.

MMU: Did anything surprise you about our MAEd program? If so, what?

TS: I was dreading taking a class on education law until I actually took the class. It turns out, it was one of the most intriguing and relevant classes I took in earning my degree. It helped me understand some of the decisions that have to be made in my classroom, school, and district. It gave me a foundation to develop my own opinion on legislation surrounding education.

"The reputation that comes with being a Mount Mercy graduate is so highly respected in eastern Iowa—it’s remarkable. We Mustangs are in demand. Administrators and school districts are very aware of the quality students Mount Mercy produces."

MMU: Would you like to add anything else?

TS: The reputation that comes with being a Mount Mercy graduate is so highly respected in eastern Iowa—it’s remarkable. We Mustangs are in demand. Administrators and school districts are very aware of the quality students Mount Mercy produces. I know it helped me get my foot in the door in the two school districts I have applied for and worked in. I’m proud to be a two-time Mount Mercy graduate. I have two degrees a quarter-century apart—it’s never too late.