Here’s the next in our series addressing topics of college education–its importance in today’s changing work environment, how it translates to success in the classroom, and more. From the Ask a Tech Teacher team: “How Sports Administration Works Behind the Scenes”:

If you love sports, it’s easy to focus on buzzer-beaters, rivalry games, and packed stadiums. The real machinery sits behind the curtain. Every event, sponsorship, media deal, and fan experience depends on smart administration. If you’re curious about careers that keep teams, leagues, and athletic programs running, you need more than game knowledge. You need to understand the business side, the people side, and the pressure that comes with both.

Source: Pexels

Education Paths That Match the Reality of the Job

A general business degree can help, but sports administration often rewards specialized study. Programs focused on sports management, administration, law, finance, and leadership can prepare you for the parts of the industry that don’t show up in highlight reels.

If you’re exploring graduate study, masters of science in sports administration programs can be worth a serious look. They’re designed for people who want deeper training in areas like governance, marketing, facility operations, and organizational strategy.

That kind of education matters when you’re competing for roles in athletic departments, professional organizations, and sports agencies. Employers often want candidates who already understand the business framework. A strong program can also help you build industry connections, which is rarely a minor detail in sports. Doors open faster when someone knows your work.

What Sports Administration Actually Covers

Sports administration is the operational and strategic work that keeps sports organizations functional. You’re looking at budgeting, event planning, marketing, compliance, facility management, athlete support, and public relations. It’s part business office, part crisis center, and part logistics lab.

A college athletic department offers a clear example. Someone has to coordinate travel, manage donor relationships, track NCAA rules, schedule venues, and supervise staff. Pro teams deal with ticket sales, partnerships, media rights, and community outreach on top of that.

If you picture sports administration as a desk job with a scoreboard nearby, that image needs an upgrade. The field moves fast, and one scheduling mistake can ripple through an entire season. It’s organized chaos, just with nicer branding.

Why the Industry Needs Skilled Administrators

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Here’s the next in our series addressing topics of college education–its importance in today’s changing work environment, how it translates to success in the classroom, and more. From the Ask a Tech Teacher team: “Should You Study Computer Science in 2026? What You Need to Know Before You Commit”:

Choosing a major can feel like you’re being asked to predict your whole future before you’ve even figured out next semester. Computer science attracts a lot of attention for good reason, but it’s also surrounded by hype, confusion, and some very loud opinions online. If you’re thinking about this path in 2026, you need a realistic view of the work, the skills, and the opportunities so you can decide whether it actually fits you.

Source: Pexels

Why the Degree Still Matters in a Skills-First Job Market

You’ve probably seen people say you don’t need a degree because you can learn everything on YouTube, GitHub, or coding bootcamps. Part of that is true. You can learn a lot on your own, especially the basics.

Still, a degree gives you structure, depth, and a more complete foundation. It forces you into concepts many self-taught learners skip, like computational theory or memory management. Those topics aren’t flashy, but they matter once software gets bigger, faster, and messier.

Employers also still use degrees as a filter, especially for internships, graduate roles, and international hiring. If you’re comparing routes, exploring a computer science bachelors degree program can help you see how formal study is designed to build both technical skill and long-term adaptability. (more…)

Here’s the next in our series addressing topics of college education–its importance in today’s changing work environment, how it translates to success in the classroom, and more. From the Ask a Tech Teacher team: “Is a Liberal Studies Degree Online Actually Worth It?”

If you’re looking at college options and feeling boxed in by rigid majors, an online liberal studies degree can look surprisingly practical. You get flexibility, room to explore multiple subjects, and a path that fits around work, family, or a schedule that refuses to behave. The bigger question isn’t whether the degree sounds interesting. It’s whether it can help you build real skills, qualify for jobs, and move forward without wasting time or money.

What a liberal studies degree online really includes

A liberal studies degree online usually blends courses from several disciplines instead of locking you into one narrow track. You might study communication, social science, history, business, writing, and problem-solving in the same program. (more…)

We received multiple requests from readers to address topics of college education–its importance in today’s changing wrk environment, how it translates to success in the classroom, and more. We’ve put together a series of six articles based on the sorts of questions we received, from “Is a Liberal Studies Degree Online Actually Worth it?” to “Should You Study Computer Science in 2026?” and a lot in between. These will be a few a day. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Here’s our first: “Why an Ed.S Degree is Getting More Attention in Education Reform”.

If you follow education reform, you’ve probably noticed a pattern: schools need leaders who understand teaching, policy, data, and day-to-day reality all at once. That’s a tough mix. Teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators are being asked to solve bigger problems with tighter timelines. An Ed.S. degree sits right in that pressure zone, offering advanced training for educators who want to lead change without stepping away from the field for years.

Where an Ed.S. Fits in the Education Reform Conversation

Education reform often sounds abstract until you’re the one dealing with attendance drops, uneven literacy scores, or teacher burnout. At that point, broad policy talk turns into a very practical question: who has the skills to fix systems without losing sight of students?

An education specialist degree usually lands between a master’s and a doctorate. Northwest Missouri State University offers advanced education programs designed for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership and instructional expertise. It’s built for educators who want advanced expertise without committing to a full Ph.D. or Ed.D. track. That makes it especially relevant when districts need people who can lead curriculum planning, school improvement, professional development, and data-informed decision-making.

You’re not just studying leadership theory for the sake of it. You’re learning how institutions actually change, where resistance shows up, and what meaningful improvement looks like in real schools. Reform work needs more than slogans and strategic plans with glossy covers. (more…)

Ask a Tech Teacher contributor, Jenny Wise, has navigated the complexities of raising a growing family, supporting her children through life’s difficulties, and finding strength through faith, resilience, and connection.

If you’re interesting in homeschool ideas, Jenny shares family homeschooling experiences, practical advice, encouragement, and resources for parents considering or navigating homeschooling through her platform, Special Home Educator. Her mission is to support and inspire other families by honestly sharing the ups and downs of creating a personalized education at home. Today, she’s exploring down the education journey–to a Masters:

Key Factors to Consider When Going Back to School for a Master’s Degree

For prospective master’s students weighing a returning to school decision mid-career, the question isn’t whether learning matters, it’s whether the degree will truly change what comes next. Career advancement considerations can point toward a credential that opens doors, but the financial investment in education can be hard to justify without clarity on outcomes. The time commitment can also pressure work obligations, family responsibilities, and education life balance in ways that don’t show up on a course catalog. A smart choice comes from treating the master’s degree ROI as a concrete tradeoff, not a leap of faith. (more…)

If you’re looking for a science background (everyone gets a BS), the US Naval Academy where everyone gets a BS is one of your best choices. Besides that, it includes a massive work load that must be done in a short amount of time (while holding down a part-time job–yes, you’re paid for the labor), the requirement to incorporate physical with mental calisthenics, a patriot’s approach to serving your countrypeople. The result often is a successful national leader. Specifically:

• 1 President of the United States
• 3 Cabinet Members
• 21 Ambassadors
• 32 Members of Congress
• 6 State Governors
• 10 Secretaries of the Navy
• 1 Secretary of the Air Force
• 5 Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• 4 Vice Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• 31 Chiefs of Naval Operations
• 9 Commandants of the Marine Corps
• 2 Nobel Prize Winners
• 72 Medal of Honor Recipients
• 56 NASA Astronauts
• 56 Rhodes Scholars
• 34 Marshall Scholars
• 4 Churchill Scholars
• 122 Olmsted Scholars
• 39 Fitzgerald Scholars
• 1 Beyer Scholar
• 43 White House Fellows

Who are some of these? (more…)

The greatest accolade given the Naval Academy was by the North Vietnamese commander Major Bui to captured John Sidney McCain III, USNA class of ’58 when he said, “They have taught you too well, McCain! They have taught you too well.”

You don’t have to be a third generation applicant, son and grandson of a four-star Admiral and future presidential nominee to be one of the 10% of applicants who lands a coveted spot in the Naval Academy, but you do need a plan. That’s the first secret. Plan. Here are eight more:

1. Compare yourself against the bare bones requirements here. Is that you? Now check the ‘average student’  here. Still in the running? Even if it’s not you right now, could it be in four years? If so, you’re half way there.
2. Know this is where you want to go. Research your options. A good checklist for comparing schools is available in the book, or create your own. Just do it so when you’ve made a decision, you know it’s right.
3. Look at the long To Do list and understand they must be done. It includes not just becoming physically/mentally fit, but getting a Congressional nomination, passing a physical examination, working with the Blue and Gold officer, filling out piles of forms, possibly attending several sessions at the Academy to be sure you’re right. Accept that. It may interfere with other High School duties, but that’s the Academy way. They want to see how many balls you can juggle at once and still come out with applause. It’s doable and you can be that person. There’s a checklist in the workbook I used (Building a Midshipman) that makes it easy to complete everything, but be ready: It’s quite long.
4. Make a resume. Yes, you’re young, but if you don’t start it now, you’ll forget that when you were in eighth grade, you won the Science Fair, and when you were a freshman, you were the #1 violinist at the area orchestra competition. There’s a sample in the book that can help you.
5. Are you a mix of physical/mental/verbal? You don’t have to be the best in any one category, but a Navy Officer requires all three. You have to be physically fit, mentally sharp and able to communicate your thoughts and ideas. Some schools just want one or two. The Navy challenge: You must have all three.
6. Keep trying. The Naval Academy values people who follow through even when they’re failing, even when there isn’t enough time (think about preparing for Pearl Harbor–did they have as much time as they needed), especially if it means working under pressure (like every battle America has ever been in). That ability to work through problems and stress is as important as the 4.0 and ASB President that Ivy Leagues want.
7. Follow through. Once you’re in the application stage, send the information the Admissions Office requests, then follow through to be sure it got there. They have a handy update feature you can check or use the one in the workbook. Your goal is to be sure they think you’re in the same spot you think you are.
8. Start now.

The biggest secret: Believe you can do it. Anything you can believe and conceive, you can achieve. Set your GPS to ‘USNA’ and get going. (more…)

Those interested in a life of Christian ministry must be prepared to:

• build a godly character
• serve faithfully
• be patient and accountable
• pursue training.

If this seems like the right path for your college-career goals, here are suggestions from the Ask a Tech Teacher team for what you can expect:

What to Expect When Studying for Christian Ministry

Studying for Christian ministry shapes both the mind and the heart. It calls for discipline, reflection, and a willingness to grow in faith while serving others. Many enter this path with passion, yet the journey demands more than enthusiasm. It requires steady commitment, intellectual curiosity, and emotional maturity. Coursework stretches thinking, while real-life ministry experiences challenge comfort zones. Growth happens through study, prayer, and community engagement. Expectations should remain realistic, since the process takes time and effort. A clear understanding of what lies ahead helps students stay grounded, focused, and ready to embrace both the challenges and the rewards of ministry training.

1. Academic Rigor and Theological Depth

Students often expect spiritual discussions, but the academic intensity surprises many. Courses require critical reading, structured writing, and deep analysis of biblical texts. Professors expect engagement with historical context, language nuances, and theological debates. Assignments push students to form well-supported arguments rather than simple reflections. Time management becomes essential, since reading loads grow quickly. Students must balance intellectual growth with spiritual insight. This combination creates a demanding yet rewarding environment. Consistent effort builds confidence and sharpens understanding. Those who stay disciplined find that their knowledge expands in meaningful ways that support long-term ministry goals and practical leadership. (more…)

Interesting thoughts from the Ask a Tech Teacher team on how education  paves the way for better psychiatric nursing care…

Caring for Mental Health: How Education Prepares Nurses for Psychiatric Care

Mental health care requires nurses to use specialized training to meet patients emotionally and psychologically. Through education and clinical learning, nurses develop the patience, communication skills, and understanding needed to support those facing mental health challenges. Academic preparation highlights attentive listening and calm guidance, helping patients feel understood rather than judged.

Each interaction becomes an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through coursework, simulation exercises, and supervised clinical experience. Educational preparation enables nurses to remain flexible and thoughtful, particularly in psychiatric environments that can change rapidly and require a measured, informed response.

The Evolving Role of Nurses in Mental Health Education

Nurses preparing for psychiatric care quickly learn that the role extends beyond traditional bedside tasks. Educational programs in psychiatric nursing emphasize the importance of relationship building, emotional awareness, and patient-centered communication. Students study behavioral science, mental health assessment, and therapeutic interaction techniques to gain a deeper understanding of how mental health conditions affect behavior.

Academic training also introduces future nurses to real-world scenarios through case studies and clinical placements. These experiences help them recognize behavioral patterns, support medication plans, and guide patients through periods of confusion or emotional distress. Over time, education shapes a professional style that blends clinical structure with empathy and clear communication. (more…)

Here’s an overview and a check list for what you want to accomplish this year (reprinted with permission from Building a Midshipman):

For many college entrance requirements, sophomore year starts the academic record- /GPA-/placement in the class-countdown. But not the Naval Academy. They count Freshman-Sophomore-Junior year. Senior year only counts for applicants on the scholastic bubble. This summer, like last summer, will be spent on scholarly pursuits, repairing damage and preparing for sophomore year.

• Develop a plan of action for the next twenty-four months designed to correct freshman year flaws and insure the accomplishment of your dreams. You post it on the wall above your desk. Every time you sit down to do homework, you’ll see those goals, remember those reasons, and study harder.
  
• Retake Geometry over the summer. Your confidence in your math and science abilities fractured after Honors Geometry and this will reinforce what you did learn while backfilling what you didn’t understand
• Drop to non-honors Algebra II and non-honors chemistry for sophomore year. These fit your aptitude better and you hope will allow you a better chance to absorb the material
• Play summer soccer with the District’s soccer league. You’re aiming for Varsity next year, so spend this time ironing out shots on goal, dribbling, and perfecting soccer strategy. You practice four days a week, play ten games, and get to know teammates and coaches. A good investment of time.
• Recommit yourself to violin. Dedicate several hours of each summer day to practice, and reevaluate next year. You had a few setbacks with your violin. You didn’t qualify for All-State, and because of the shortened weekly practice (studying for classes took a lot more time than you had planned), you didn’t progress sufficiently in the classical repertoire required for college auditions. Still, this summer can make a difference. Violin gives a voice to your ‘other’ self buried beneath math formulas and memorized facts.
• Research the fundamental premise of your science project. DNA has intrigued you since seventh grade. Read about singalization, hybridization, plate tectonics and paleogeology, and try to puzzle out your hypothesis.

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