Assistantships open doors for RLL graduate student

Two funded graduate assistantships helped her earn her degree, build new skills and reimagine her career.

When Mary Slater decided to pursue her Master of Education in Reading, Literacy & Learning (RLL) at Longwood University, she needed a program that could meet her where she was.

As a stay-at-home mom preparing to reenter the workforce, flexibility and financial feasibility weren’t optional—they were essential.

Longwood’s part-time, virtual and asynchronous format made returning to graduate school possible. Two graduate assistantships made it sustainable.

Funding a Future

“I expressed that I needed financial assistance,” Slater said. “I was offered a graduate assistant (GA) position that funded my tuition and provided a stipend. I’d essentially landed a part-time job while getting my degree! I couldn’t believe it.”

Her first assistantship, beginning in 2024, was with the RLL program itself. Working alongside faculty members Dr. Wendy Snow and Dr. Tammy Parlier, she helped develop instructional content in Canvas and gained deeper insight into literacy policy and educational technology.

“I got an inside look at updates to the Virginia Literacy Act legislation and dove deeper into instructional content as I was building courses,” she said. “Being a stay-at-home mom at the time, this kept me tuned into the pulse of public education in Virginia.”

Expanding Her Skillset

Slater also leaned into her marketing background, creating materials in Canva—including flyers, social media content and annual reports.

“Whether I head into business or education after this degree, I’ve developed a love for creating on Canva that I wouldn’t have experienced without these roles,” she said.

In 2025, Longwood connected her with a second assistantship in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies under Dean Dr. Jeanine Perry. There, she contributed to the SEED Innovation Hub, a regional cross-sector entrepreneurial initiative.

One major project: designing the first SEED Innovation Hub Annual Report.

“This project really stretched my abilities,” she said. “I had to envision a product intended for print and push myself creatively.”

 A Passion for Literacy

Slater’s decision to pursue the RLL degree was rooted in purpose.

“Giving children the gift of literacy is a passion of mine,” she said. “The ability to read and write is one of the most valuable skills you can instill as a teacher. Watching a child transition from learning letters to reading books in a single year never gets old.”

Originally, she planned to become a reading specialist. But through her assistantships, her professional vision expanded.

New Possibilities

“My GA roles have opened doors, developed skills and reignited interests in marketing and business,” she said. “I’d love to find a role that combines education, technology and marketing—while providing stability and flexibility for my family.”

Beyond funding, the assistantships provided mentorship and meaningful professional experience.

“The professors really care about your success and you as a person,” she said. “They understand that we are working individuals with families and responsibilities. They’re willing to work with you so you can successfully navigate the program while fulfilling life’s other demands.”

For Slater, Longwood’s commitment to accessibility made the difference.

“I entered the first semester as a test to see if I could make it work financially,” she said. “Longwood made these possibilities a reality.”