March 18, 2022

Madison Boyes

MEd Curriculum and Instruction with SPED and ESOL Endorsements ’22
(she/her)

Madi has found immense value in the small cohort size, the fact that each class incorporated elements of equity and social justice, and the strong, supportive relationship between faculty and students.

Madison Boyes, MEd Curriculum and Instruction '22 Madison Boyes, MEd Curriculum and Instruction ’22Madi Boyes, MEd Curriculum and Instruction ’22, knew she wanted to work with a diverse population of students, and found her niche as an Adult Transition Specialist. Adult transition specialists work with students ages 18-21 with disabilities who have graduated from high school with an alternative diploma or certificate, as well as students who have left high school without earning a completion document. Curriculum and activities assist students with developing skills necessary to be successful adults in their home, community, and work.

Boyes received an emergency license from her district in order to begin this work, but ultimately needed to earn a Special Education: Generalist Endorsement in order to continue. Finding her way to Lewis & Clark Graduate School through the recommendation of her district and a colleague, Boyes leveraged the flexibility and customization offered through the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program to earn not only her SPED endorsement, but also her ESOL endorsement and MEd in the process.

“Originally, I had chosen Lewis & Clark based solely on the recommendation of others. Since spending the last two years in both the SPED and ESOL endorsement programs, I am so thankful to have had things turn out the way that they have,” said Boyes.

I believe that L&C has one of the best Graduate programs out there. The classes are not only meaningful and pertinent to real life teaching, but they are flexible and understanding of the balance of managing a full time teaching career with graduate school.”

Boyes has found immense value in the small cohort size, the fact that each class incorporated elements of equity and social justice, and the strong, supportive relationship between faculty and students.

“The faculty at Lewis & Clark have been very supportive and understanding of the pressures that we all have faced over the past few years, and have been very compassionate by lending an ear and offering feasible solutions. They always validated our feelings and provided the space where we could problem solve in a nonjudgmental, safe environment.”

Working in the field of special education, Boyes is especially mindful of the fact that social justice must be incorporated into nearly every aspect of her post-graduation career. She draws inspiration for her work from her personal experience at Lewis & Clark, where all walks of life are not only accepted, but celebrated for what makes each individual special.

“I work with students who have a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, preferences, opinions, and abilities. While all of these things might differ from one student to the next, they all have value and worth, where no one is better than the other.”

Boyes wants prospective students to know that it is in fact doable to work full time and complete a Master’s degree! Although it may seem overwhelming at times, she says it all works out and you will be so happy that you have done it.

“I am a much better teacher, with a wider range of abilities, because of the programs at Lewis & Clark,” she concluded. “Not only will my MEd and endorsements open doors for me in the future, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time that I have spent in the program. The work has been meaningful and the peers/faculty have been amazing.”

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