Dr. Amy Casey graduated from UMKC in 2013 with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy & Foundations and Curriculum & Instruction. She is now the Principal of a local elementary school.
“After a successful principalship at Oakwood Manor Elementary, I was asked by my Deputy Director of Elementary Education to take the helm of Ravenwood Elementary school, a school with a great reputation of instructional excellence and a number of demonstration classrooms,” she said. “Additionally, I was able to provide extensive diversity training to one of our year round schools and will be presenting at our district summer academy this year.”
Amy chose UMKC over other graduate schools because of its focus on social justice.
“My life’s journey had taken me down a beautiful path in which I, a white woman, adopted a black daughter. As a family, we had been confronted with a number of racial issues on our journey,” she said. “I knew that education was the way to rise above these circumstances. I was drawn to UMKC because of the commitment to social justice and the emphasis on serving our urban community.”
While teaching, Amy had witnessed the effects of poverty and racial issues on her students. She and other educators talked about closing the achievement gap, but she felt limited in impacting change.
“Our systems were set up in such a way that issues of diversity were seen as problems to resolve rather than opportunities to celebrate the strength and beauty our differences bring to our schools and communities,” she said. “If I was to have a greater impact on the system, I needed to do it from a place of leadership. I needed a strong foundation and deep understanding of the issues and this [Ph.D.] program would serve as that foundation.”
Before earning the Ph.D., Amy earned a B.S. in Education from Missouri State University, a Masters in Educational Technology from Lesley University, and an Education Specialist from UMKC. She said the Ph.D. has made her a stronger administrator.
“I am a passionate advocate for social justice – leading others in open and honest dialogue about the challenges and celebrations of our diverse communities,” she said. “I live this passion every day and I am often sought out to lead others in diversity training.”
During her time at UMKC, Amy enjoyed working with her professors and committee members.
“They were full of integrity and lived out the very things they were teaching us,” she said. “When I thought I might not be able to finish, they encouraged me and reminded me of my goal and why I was doing this.”
Amy said that Ph.D. students have to be self-motivated, since they do not have a cohort within the interdisciplinary program.
“You can expect to write several revisions and just realize that as you get into the process, your research can take a different route than you expected. Be open to that change,” she said. “The moment that I realized that my research truly added to the literature and the body of knowledge, was a priceless moment that I will never forget. I was brought to tears.”
To students who are entering a Ph.D. program, Amy says to start citations early and build a network of people.
“Begin your citation system at the very beginning of your program; you will use it,” she said. “Get connected. Find someone who has gone before you. Network with the people in your classes…your work may overlap and you can learn from one another. Don’t throw anything away!”