From School Secretary to Master Educator: Idaho Educator Receives Albion Center Scholarship for Educator Excellence

When she became the school secretary at her own high school back in 2017, Sara Duncan had no idea it would lead her to a career in education. After observing the impact teachers had on their students from behind the front desk, it didn’t take long for Duncan to decide to become a teacher herself. 

“Being in school as a student and working in one as an adult gave me two very different perspectives,” she shared. “I saw firsthand how much of a difference a teacher can make in a student’s life—and I wanted to be that kind of person for someone else.”

Now a computer science and technology teacher at Declo Jr. High in Burley, Idaho, Duncan has been awarded the Albion Center Scholarship for Educator Excellence. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in human resource development at Idaho State University in the fall of 2025.

It may have taken some time for Duncan to find her passion for teaching, but now as an educator herself, she is committed to going above and beyond just being a teacher. She hopes to not only support her students in a meaningful way but to also become a leader and lifelong mentor. 

“I want to ensure I’m better equipped to support students not only academically, but also in navigating the important next steps in their lives,” she says. “My goal is to help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty they face during these critical decisions, ultimately empowering them to achieve their potential with greater confidence.”

After taking a dyslexia course through the Albion Center for Professional Development to meet teaching recertification requirements, she was drawn to Albion's accessible, real-world courses designed specifically for educators. The connection to Idaho State University made it a natural fit.

“The Albion Center offers relevant, flexible courses and resources that help educators stay connected to best practices,” she said. “Earning the scholarship through Albion is a full-circle moment for me.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to take on leadership roles within her school community, helping to shape school culture and support systems that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

“This scholarship allows me to keep growing, not just for my own career, but for the students I work with every day,” she said. “It’s about helping them believe in themselves—because somebody once did that for me.”

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

The Albion Center for Professional Development at Idaho State University offers affordable, high-quality, graduate-level, self-paced courses to help K–12 educators nationwide enhance their skills, renew certification, and advance their careers. To further support educators, the Albion Center Scholarship for Educator Excellence provides up to $16,000 to select recipients pursuing 100% online master’s degrees at Idaho State University in specialized education fields—making graduate education more accessible for future leaders in education.

Learn more at www.isu.edu/educationpd.