Interview by Ashley Smith

If asked to tell about one of your favorite teachers, it’s likely you could think of at least one educator, no brainer. With over 43,000 public school teachers in Kentucky alone you may even live next door to one. With nine options for certification as of 2025, pathways for becoming a certified teacher in Kentucky can look different than the “traditional” route of attending college right after highschool for a four year degree and a Bachelors of Science (BS). Even with a bachelor’s degree in an area of study outside of education, it is possible to enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and become certified. We know the teachers who are inspiring our children, but who is actually training our teachers to take on the realm of education today?
Dr. Janet Tassell serves Western Kentucky University pre-service teachers and those looking to advance their certification through both the (BS) and MAT programs. Dr. Tassell’s immense experience at the school, district, and university levels shaped her into a mentor and leader among college students who could be your future colleagues. It is leaders like her who elevate the teaching profession.
While Western Kentucky University is one of many colleges offering education courses in the state, the long-standing program actually began as one of the first exclusive teaching institutions in Kentucky under the name Western Kentucky State Normal School in 1906. Although the university has advanced to many areas of study over the years, Dr. Tassell explains through an interview with former student and WKU alumna, Ashley Smith, how the program continues to support entry into the teaching profession while preparing educators for the career in a way that supports retention and retention.

About Western Kentucky University Professor, Dr. Janet Tassell
Question: Tell me about your journey as an educator. How did you get started and where are you now?
Answer: When I was in school, I loved mathematics. I earned a GTE scholarship for a full-ride to Indiana University, Bloomington, to study to become a middle/secondary math teacher. During that time at IU, I worked for the Math Ed. Dept. and also tutored college students in their math classes. When I began my Master’s at IU, I met up with the professor in the Math Ed. Dept. to discuss my best path for my future. Dr. Kloosterman encouraged me to go to IU and earn my PHD in mathematics education. I completed this degree in May of 2002.
During my career leading up to my PHD, I served as a teacher in Mishawaka, Evansville, and Lincoln City, all in Indiana. I then served as a district-level administrator for over 10 years in North Spencer County Schools where I worked with assessment, curriculum, professional development, and gifted/talented education. When I left North Spencer in fall 2007, I served a short time as the professional development coordinator for Southern Indiana Education Cooperative (SIEC). In Fall 2008, I took on a new position at Western Kentucky University where I have taught Elementary Math Methods, working with our clinical program for developing pre-service teachers. I have also designed courses and programs for the Elementary Math Specialist endorsement and WKU certificate, Gifted/Talented MAE, and Gifted/Talented and Advanced Instruction EDS. I have been serving as the Assistant Director for the School of Teacher Education since Summer 2022.
Question: Why did you decide to be a part of teacher preparation programs?
Answer: While I was a district administrator in Indiana, I realized that I enjoyed working with adults and developing their instructional capacity. I found that when you help a teacher to grow, you also impact the students exponentially. Excellent teachers are the foundation to a thriving society. It has been a thrill to take that passion to teaching pre-service teachers and current teachers. I also love the problem-solving nature and needs of this work in striving toward excellence in supporting teachers.

Challenges and Support in BS and MAT Programs
Question: What are some of the challenges pre-service teachers face?
Answer: Serving as a teacher is both rewarding and challenging. The responsibilities of the classroom teacher have evolved greatly through and post the pandemic as more mental health concerns are arising within the population of children and students we serve. Our teachers themselves also need support to care for themselves and prioritize their health, physically and emotionally. I have been researching how to support teachers through mindfulness strategy development.
Question: How do you support students enrolled in the MAT program compared to the “traditional” BS?
Answer: Teaching in both the BS and in the MAT program is rewarding. The opportunity to work with the BS students in the traditional pathway has been more second nature to those of us that have taught at the university for a while and also syncs up with familiarity of how many of us experienced our initial certification. Upon approval of the addition to the MAT program design for elementary education, the program I teach in, is wonderful to provide opportunity for those who have an undergraduate degree and no teacher certification to be able to pursue a teaching career. When I teach the MAT elementary math methods course, we have synchronous virtual meetings available where we experience the critical conversations and discussions of mathematics methods as a community of learners. It is wonderful to witness the equal excitement of the BS and the MAT students who have decided to become a teacher. Supporting the BS and MAT growth in individual meetings and readily communicating when needed is the key.
Question: What advice would you give anyone who wants to become a teacher or who may be on the fence about remaining in the profession?
Answer: I often have the opportunity to represent WKU at teacher recruitment events. I share that being a teacher is the most critical profession there is. We teach all people before they become the workers in the professions they may choose to become. Education with a teacher is the foundation. I also encourage all of the prospective and current teachers to remember a teacher who had an impact on your life and to consider that you could be that person for your students.

Benefits and Career Advancement for Educators
Question: What are the benefits of certifying through a university with an MAT?
Answer: At WKU, we provide the support through our professors and advisors to give multi-dimensional expertise to develop the MAT teacher. Our admissions coordinator and our Office of Professional Educator Services (OPES) keep abreast of the regulations and procedures needed for certification. We provide Praxis exam preparation resources through our WKU Student Success Center as well.
Question: How can teachers who have earned initial certification advance their careers through further studies?
Answer: At WKU, we have avenues through our Master’s degrees and Education Specialist degree for teachers to add on additional certifications. Whether it be through endorsements/certifications, WKU certificates, or additional grade band/content areas, we can individualize a program of study to meet the goals of our teachers. We coordinate the design with OPES and with EPSB to ensure the certification is possible.

Dr. Tassell’s Inspiration
Question: Who or what inspired you to teach?
Answer: I am from a family of teachers: my dad, grandfather, uncles/aunts, cousin.
But when I think about who “inspired” me, I think it is mostly my dad. Dad’s former students LOVED him and would share the reasons why – that he was funny, engaging, great at teaching math and science, motivational, etc. I wanted to be what my dad was for others. I had long heard of how excellent my grandfather, McKinley Hagemeyer, was in how he served as principal and high school math teacher in my tiny rural hometown of Stendal, Indiana, before school consolidation. I already knew that being a teacher was so much more than “teaching the content” but that you would be the person that can inspire each person to be the best version of themselves possible.
Others that inspired me:
In my elementary school, my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Helen Lewis, recognized I needed individualized acceleration in mathematics. With her, I witnessed the understanding of differentiation.
My middle school Algebra I teacher, Mr. Vesper Hill, loved everything about teaching mathematics – pure joy every day in his smile and enthusiasm. With him, I learned you choose your disposition as a teacher and you impact the classroom and school culture.
My IU professor, Dr. Peter Kloosterman, reached out to say that I needed to get my PHD in mathematics education – showing he believed in my potential. With him, I realized the impact of being “seen” and encouraged to strive for excellence in my career.
In summary, Kentucky colleges and universities have systems in place to educate and support future teachers. Dedicated professors, like Dr. Tassell, have devoted their careers to not only K-12 students directly, but indirectly through the training and guidance of pre-service educators and those advancing their certification. We know positive relationships with students in the K-12 setting make a difference, and I would argue teachers gaining a professional support system from the start of their pre-service career makes a difference in their teacher clarity, self-efficacy, and overall preparedness.
To learn more about entry into the teaching profession while being a part of Kentucky’s retention and retention of high-quality educators, take the quiz to find out which of the nine certification options may be right for you. Take the next steps, whether it be in a BS or MAT program or maybe a different route to go teach Kentucky. The support you need is only a click away.