Anchorage Teacher Pursues Graduate Degree with Albion Center Scholarship

By transforming a subject she once found uninteresting into something fun and exciting, it was her high school chemistry teacher who first inspired Megan Poulisse to become a teacher. 

“There were times when he, my high school chemistry teacher, would relate science to the things that interested us as kids, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I want to do that for others when I grow up,’” she said.

Now a fifth-grade teacher at Aurora Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska, Poulisse is pursuing a Master of Education in Elementary Education at Idaho State University thanks to the Albion Center Scholarship for Educator Excellence. 

“Without the Albion Center Scholarship for Educator Excellence, I would not have the ability to pursue graduate studies,” she shared. “This scholarship has opened up an opportunity that I would not have been able to obtain on my own, and I am grateful to further my career because of it.”

Poulisse hopes her graduate degree will prepare her for a role where she can train new teachers while continuing to work directly with students.

In addition to the scholarship, she has valued the flexibility of the Albion Center’s professional development courses. 

“With a busy schedule, it takes the stress off of completing coursework on a tight timeline,” Poulisse said. “I have suggested the Albion Center to everyone I’ve met who is pursuing professional development!”

The scholarship’s financial support has also made a difference beyond her career.

“This opportunity has not only positively impacted my professional development but has also significantly improved the financial well-being of myself and my two children. I will forever be grateful.” 

The Albion Center Scholarship for Educator Excellence will provide Poulisse with up to $4,000 per semester, with a lifetime maximum of $16,000—helping her save nearly 70% on graduate tuition.