Teaching for the Future – Vanessa Douglas
November 3, 2025
MACOMB, IL – – For Western Illinois University alumna Vanessa Douglas, returning to WIU to pursue her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through the Alternative Licensure program was more than just a career shift—it was a calling realized later in life.
After years as a stay-at-home mom and freelance marketer, Douglas found herself with extra time once her youngest daughter started kindergarten. That’s when she decided to obtain her substitute teaching license and begin working in her daughters’ school district.
“I quickly realized I loved being in the classroom, specifically with junior high and secondary students,” Douglas said. “I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Education (Secondary English) through WIU’s alternative teacher licensure program since I already had my bachelor’s degree from them and felt they were the best fit for this new endeavor.”
Douglas said the MAT program has been instrumental in developing her teaching skills.
“The program has greatly enhanced my ability to teach and has offered a plethora of expertise, information, mentorship and hands-on learning,” Douglas said. “The professors are highly experienced, knowledgeable and truly made my courses engaging and interesting.”
One experience that stood out for Douglas was her required ESL course, which connected her with a teacher in the Moline School District working with new refugee students from several countries, including Afghanistan.
“Many of these students knew little to no English, and instruction was translated for them,” Douglas said. “Seeing their new world of freedom and peace through their eyes was incredibly rewarding. Despite the challenges, these students—especially the girls—were exceptional learners who were so eager to soak up all that they were being taught.”
As someone entering education as a second career, Douglas brings a unique perspective to the classroom.
“I think starting this career at an older age has given me perspective, patience and emotional maturity to make a positive impact,” Douglas said. “Things have shifted a lot in education since I was in school, but the need for authentic, meaningful relationships with students is still as crucial as ever. When students know you care, everything else falls into place.”
Douglas encourages others considering the MAT program to take the leap.
“The Alternative Licensure program is exceptional and I highly recommend it,” Douglas said. “Because my first career wasn’t in education, I decided to take several courses before my placement exam and that helped me feel confident and prepared to teach. Now in my third semester of residency, I can focus entirely on my students and I feel stronger as a teacher because of it.”
To learn more about WIU’s MAT program, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/grad/mat.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing