College of Education awards graduate master’s students in teaching and learning

The Clemson University College of Education has awarded three graduate students its Teaching and Learning Online M.Ed. Award to recognize exemplary educators who show evidence and potential as leaders in their field.

The College of Education was named the #1 online graduate education program in the nation in 2025, and the M.Ed. program was one of three to be included in the ranking.

Camryn Brown began the M.Ed. program with a specialization in STEAM education shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree from the College of Education. Brown said she has gained a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of education, and she looks forward to sharing this knowledge with all educators, particularly more seasoned educators who might look to factor more modern methods into their teaching.

“I am working toward this degree because I want to give back,” Brown said. “I want to help veteran teachers navigate the adjustment of teaching STEAM. Teaching takes a village, and I want to be a part of the village that pours in if that’s what it takes for our staff and scholars to succeed.”

Morgan Denton is a teacher at St. John’s High School in Johns Island, South Carolina, and a current student specializing in instructional coaching through the M.Ed. program. Denton has learned how to translate what works in her classroom to other educators effectively, and she looks forward to positively impacting student growth by working with and supporting the teaching of others.

“I have learned some nuances of presenting new information and major changes to faculty, hosting teacher support sessions and observing the challenges and successes of a major overhaul of a system,” Denton said. “By providing teachers with meaningful and relevant professional development, I can be a positive role model and mentor and support teachers who need additional help.”

Much like Brown and Denton, Kendalyn Murray plans to use the lessons learned in the M.Ed. program to collaborate with other teachers and coaches to share ideas about teaching engaging lessons to children from underserved communities. She said the effective and reflective teaching specialization in the M.Ed. program has deepened her understanding of what it means to effectively teach and engage students.

Murray entered graduate studies after many years out of higher education, and she was initially nervous about a years-long gap in education. However, she said the College of Education faculty quickly eased her fears about re-entering higher education.

“My professors have all been more than willing to assist me whenever I need it,” Murray said. “Whenever I have a question about the work, I ask, and no one makes me feel less than for doing so. The professors want to see students do well, and that is a great feeling!”