After meeting with a university advisor, the group works together for the next five to six semesters toward their degrees. Goolsby won't deny the motivation of money, but finds it inaccurate to ignore other rewards. The opportunity to become more proficient, to simply be a better teacher, is important. Then, you realize how many more doors are open to you. You qualify yourself to be an assistant principal or principal, and then you've improved your career and your worth to students.
Most groups choose to take two classes during the school year and as many as three in the summer.
Students dedicate about 10 hours a week in total class time and study. Tennessee Tech has offered off-campus classes since the 70's, but cohort groups make the degree quest more manageable and enjoyable for teachers. They live close to each other and often work in the same school, making group projects and carpooling natural choices. Students agree even though they still sacrifice some family and leisure time, they would not have considered going after an advanced degree in the traditional manner. We have the opportunity to stay in touch with progress in education and not become stagnant.