Calvin News

While working in the financial sector, Sarah Howerzyl found herself drawn to a different kind of work—one that involved less number-crunching and more people-shaping. That journey recently came full circle when she completed her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from Calvin University.

With a bachelor’s degree in history, Sarah discovered her passion for teaching while helping clients understand personal finance and economic systems. “I realized a part of my former job that I most enjoyed was educating clients,” she said. “Teaching high schoolers many of these same concepts is a natural extension.”

Developing her Craft

Sarah’s shift from finance to education wasn’t made on a whim—it was rooted in a deep appreciation for the art of teaching and a sense of vocational calling. “I teach from a classically-informed perspective, integrating the wisdom of those who preceded us to better understand our own era,” she said. “This program has been a fantastic way to cultivate the sorts of skills that will make me an effective and efficient teacher.”

Finding Calvin’s MAT

Sarah found out about Calvin’s MAT program through a trusted source—her mom, a Calvin education alum herself. What followed was a transformative experience. “The best thing about the MAT program was my classroom placements,” she said. “I was blessed with wonderful mentor teachers and professors who provided support, guidance, and reassurance as I cultivated practical skills each day.”

Calvin’s MAT is designed for people like Sarah who have already earned a teachable bachelor’s degree and want to return to school to become certified teachers. In just one year, students earn a master’s degree and a teaching certificate. 

For Sarah, Calvin’s program was particularly valuable because it built on her existing academic foundation while offering immersive classroom experience. “For MAT students, the foundations of the academic disciplines are already in place through undergraduate studies. These practical experiences teach the pedagogical aspects of teaching a specific discipline,” she explained.

What’s Next

Now a graduate, Sarah is headed to Calvin Christian High School in Escondido, California, where she will be teaching social studies. Her journey has come with meaningful milestones—including the opportunity to return to Rehoboth, New Mexico, where she graduated from high school, for her internship.

Reflecting on the path that led her here, Sarah is grateful. “Throughout the MAT program, I appreciated the way it integrated our prior work experience and academic background with our future goals in teaching. Calvin provided the mentorship and practical expertise I needed to pursue this new vocation.”