As the nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of American history, educators across the country are helping the next generation understand the founding principles that continue to shape the United States. For Tuscaloosa teacher and James Madison Foundation fellow Jaclyn Foster, that mission begins in the classroom.
Driven by a passion for civic education and a commitment to lifelong learning, Foster pursued a Master of Arts in Secondary Education (General Social Science 6-12 Certification) through The University of Alabama Online to deepen her knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and strengthen the way she teaches it to her students. Her journey was made possible through the prestigious James Madison Graduate Fellowship, awarded by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, which provides $24,000 “to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution.”
“That opportunity made it especially important for me to select a program that aligned with both academic quality and flexibility,” she said.
As a full-time teacher balancing work, family life and graduate school, Foster needed a program that would allow her to continue serving her students while advancing her education. UA Online offered that balance.
“I chose UA Online because it was the best fit for both my professional goals and personal circumstances,” she said. “As a full-time teacher, wife and mother, I needed a program that would allow me to continue working while completing my degree.”
Even as an online student, Foster found herself closely connected to The University of Alabama community, especially as a Tuscaloosa resident.
“That combination of accessibility, strong academic support and a sense of connection made UA Online the ideal choice for me.”
Strengthening Civic Education
For Foster, earning a master’s degree was about more than professional advancement — it was about creating a richer learning experience for her students.
“I see myself as a lifelong learner and am always looking for ways to grow as an educator,” she said. “I want to continually improve my ability to engage my students and deepen their understanding, especially when it comes to the U.S. Constitution. This degree allows me to strengthen my content knowledge and bring more depth, accuracy and enthusiasm into my classroom.”
Foster teaches 7th grade civics and U.S. history at Tuscaloosa Academy and leads a field trip each fall to Washington, D.C., to see the federal government up close.
“Teaching the U.S. Constitution to middle school students is particularly powerful because teenagers are actively developing their own identities, questioning rules and forming opinions about fairness and authority,” she said. “At this age, the abstract concepts of government become tangible as they see how the law applies directly to their lives.”
Foster was challenged by faculty to think more deeply about the subjects she teaches. Their guidance helped her stay current with evolving instructional practices while providing new perspectives she could immediately apply in the classroom.
An Online Experience Built on Support
Although her coursework was completed online, Foster said she never felt alone in the process.
“My online student experience was incredibly positive and rewarding, largely because of the exceptional support I received from my professors.”
She credits Dr. Cory Callahan and Dr. Terrance Lewis for helping her navigate both her degree requirements and the expectations of the fellowship.
“Dr. Callahan was my advisor and did an independent study with me based around the Constitution to meet the requirements of my James Madison Fellowship,” she said. “Dr. Lewis worked directly with the James Madison Foundation to make sure my requirements were met and developed another independent study for me based on best practices of teaching the Constitution.”
“The dedication, encouragement and willingness to invest extra time made a significant difference in my academic journey,” she said.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Foster continues the work of preparing future citizens to understand the U.S. Constitution and the responsibilities that come with it — one lesson, one classroom and one student at a time.