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Andrea Allen
M.A. Education, 2002
The convenience of Antioch’s location combined with the flexibility of the Experienced Educator Program really made Antioch University Seattle a good choice for Andrea Allen. She was able to continue working full-time as director of education for the Seattle Repertory Theatre while pursuing her degree.
"The ability to choose my own path and to create learning experiences that were most relevant to me as an educator and arts administrator were also important," Allen adds.
Would she recommend Antioch to prospective students?
"Antioch is what you make of it," she says. "If you are looking for an experience that is open and flexible and embracing of your past and current experiences, it can be a great place to further your academic career."
Allen took part in several independent studies at Antioch. "One was on learning organizations, another on portfolios as a means of teacher and staff evaluation. It was great to be able to be so specific about my learning needs and relate them directly to my work," she says.
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Helen Maynard
M.A. Education, 2001
 If you ask about the value of her Antioch education, Helen Maynard says Antioch reaffirmed her belief that people can find a life direction when it is grounded in serving the social good.
As program manager for Powerful Schools, a community education reform organization in Seattle, Maynard works with teams of artists and teachers on creating arts integrated curriculum and collaborative teaching residencies.
"Unlike other graduate programs in Seattle, Antioch’s M.A. Education program allowed me opportunities to design a degree specific to my professional goals.
I have always valued small school environments that are student centered and that model progressive teaching and learning."
As a student, Maynard took part in a challenging independent study on authentic assessment methodologies in education.
"The field of learning assessment in the arts was very cutting edge back then with few studies available that were good, sound research," she describes. "My adviser, Ed Mikel, helped me access relevant information and, more importantly, guided me through a process of analysis and reflection in areas of research and practice relevant to my professional goals."
How has her Antioch experience contributed to her career?
"Antioch gave me a greater understanding of the many systemic issues challenging our educational institutions today," Maynard says. "I remain an advocate for the importance of the arts in every child’s education because the arts provide an alternative dimension for thinking and expression."
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Linda Thompson
M.A. Education, 2000
Before she enrolled at Antioch, Linda Thompson described herself as a teacher who had lost her spark.
"Antioch gave me back my love of learning," she says. "An educator has to be a learner, too. I had lost that. That was the spark I was looking for. I have adventures with my students now and enjoy learning with them."
One of her best academic memories? "My final project revolved around creating drama for social change and directing my students in the play, ‘Bang, Bang, You’re Dead.’ One student said, 'This play changed me.' It changed me, too: I got excited about teaching again."
She says Antioch also spurred her interest beyond academics, which tapped her skills as a writer as well.
"Antioch made me think seriously about doing something for the community because I saw so many examples of good work. An essay I wrote about the lantern ceremony at Green Lake and diversity in Seattle was published locally in The Raven Chronicles. I am now the co-editor/founder of a new literary magazine, Other Voices, written and produced by people with mental illnesses."
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