Faces of NLU: Meet Toni Carmichael
A seasoned middle school science teacher earning her Ed.D. in Curriculum, Advocacy, and Policy talks about being a role model both in her family and her Latino community.
At National Louis University (NLU), we encourage our students to be lifelong learners. While we’re always excited to help high school graduates earn their degrees and secure their first jobs, we’re equally excited to help seasoned professionals advance in their careers as their dreams and goals evolve. Toni Carmichael, a middle school science teacher in Mundelein, IL, epitomizes the idea of a lifelong learner. Toni earned her M.Ed. from NLU in 2004 and spent years afterward inspiring students in the classroom. When she decided to go back to school to earn her doctorate in education, though, she didn’t hesitate to return to NLU:
“Having the ability to choose a doctoral program from any university, I chose National Louis University because I knew the opportunities that would be provided for my growth as an educator both at the middle level and as a scholar student.”
Toni was awarded a CLAVE Doctoral Fellowship at NLU, which is a program that provides high-achieving Latinx and BIPOC scholars with networking opportunities, professional development, and financial assistance to help cover tuition and materials expenses during their programs.
Toni is scheduled to graduate with her doctorate in the Winter, and she says that the skills and knowledge she’s gained in her Ed.D. program have directly contributed to career success:
“National Louis University has helped me to achieve many career goals. The respect I have gained from my school district where I am employed is due to the doctoral program. I’ve also enjoyed the privilege of learning from esteemed professors at NLU, who have inspired me to be my best. Now, I want to provide the same support to future students. The success I have achieved is due to these amazing professors. As a professional, we all need someone to lean on and the professors at NLU provide that support and I am eternally grateful for their encouragement.”
Earning her doctoral degree is not only important for career advancement for Toni. She says that, as a first-generation college graduate, she feels a special obligation to become a leader and role model in both her family and community as she continues her academic journey:
“As a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to be admitted into a doctoral program, the responsibility to be a role model for your family and Latino community is an honor and struggle to make this difference.”
Her time in the doctoral program at NLU has not been without its challenges, though. Toni says that her NLU professors were always there to encourage her whenever self-doubt started to creep in.
“As a scientist and Latina/Filipina, the biggest obstacle I have had to overcome is having the confidence that my scientific knowledge would be valued within the scientific community,” Toni says. “I have always been determined to achieve all I can and be an example to be the best scientist I can. I have had many professors encourage me to allow this potential to be a reality but the ones that have really encouraged are: Dr. Lukenchuk, Dr. Price and Dr. Sahagun-Bahena. I would not be where I am today, without these professors to guide, challenge, and encourage me to be my best.”
Describing her future career as a “motivator,” Toni intends to publish multiple scholarly articles during her doctoral program and secure a professorship at a university once she graduates.
“I would like to be teaching in a university or college to empower future teachers, as I was empowered. I would also like to write a book about how STEAM education and Latinas are important components to the future of science education,” Toni says.
In keeping with her role as a motivator, Toni encourages her fellow NLU/Kendall students to pursue their dreams:
“I would encourage current students to believe in your dreams. Trust your professors because they have your best interests in mind and your success is their success. Be proud of your past! Every obstacle is an opportunity to show your G.R.I.T.”
Learn more about our graduate programs for teachers. You can also check out our various financial aid and scholarship opportunities at NLU. Contact an Enrollment Specialist online or by calling (888) 658-8632 to discuss your educational and professional goals.
