Friends,

Innovation at St. Thomas Aquinas College begins with a simple, but powerful question: What’s next?

At its core, this work reflects our belief in the gift of education — the power to open doors, transform lives, and strengthen communities. Our Spartan Spark highlights the ideas that respond to real-world needs and chart bold paths for our students. This work begins on our campus, but is designed to create a spark in the communities we serve. 

I am proud to share our latest Spartan Spark featuring a new Master of Science in Teaching (MST) in Physical Education program as part of our ADVANCE: Lifelong Learners portfolio.

This new program reflects our continued commitment to preparing future educators while responding to evolving workforce needs. Designed for individuals seeking initial certification — particularly those whose undergraduate degrees were not in education — the MST in Physical Education prepares graduates to teach across all grades in the K–12 settings.

Since our founding in 1952 as a “teacher’s college,” educator preparation has been central to our mission. Today, growing demand for qualified Physical Education teachers underscores the importance of this work. This new certification pathway ensures our graduates are prepared to meet that demand with confidence, skill, and purpose. The program also creates new, flexible pathways into the profession. It offers a seamless transition for students completing a B.S. in Educational Studies, while opening doors for career changers with related academic or professional backgrounds. 

I am especially grateful to the leadership team advancing this work. Under the direction of our new Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Nydia Prishker, and Dr. Cassandra Lo, Director of Graduate Education, we are ensuring that our graduate programs remain responsive, mission-driven, and aligned with the needs of today’s schools and tomorrow’s learners.

To further support future educators, the College will offer an Educator Excellence Incentive for eligible students applying to the MST program for the initial Fall 2026 cohort. This incentive includes a $10,000+ financial award for students who apply by March 1, 2026, reinforcing our ADVANCE mission to expand access to high-impact educational pathways.

The addition of the MST in Physical Education builds upon a strong suit of graduate programs leading to initial teacher certification — MST pathways in Childhood, Secondary, Special Education, Art, and Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL). Certified teachers can further advance through MSEd and Post-Master’s Certificate programs in Literacy, Special Education, Autism, and TESOL.

Please share this new program and the Educator Excellence Incentive with your students, colleagues, and community. Together, we will continue to ensure that the gift of education reaches the teachers of the future and creates a spark in the students they inspire.

Together — We lead. We innovate. We serve. We ignite the Spark!

Regards,