The Pathway to Opportunity for Educators

How to Decide If You Should Pursue a Doctoral Degree, By Dr. Jerry Paterson, Principal

“If you want to make everyone happy, don’t be a leader; sell ice cream.” ~ Nick Saban

I am entering my 28th year in education and 17th year in a leadership role. I have come to learn along the way that you can’t please everyone and you can’t make everyone like you. That was never my impetus for going into a leadership role. My desire to embark on pursuing a leadership career was forged in collaborating with a team, working together on something that was bigger than myself, and culture building for the betterment of student learning.

The summer of ’23 was a time for me to reflect on the positives and areas for improvement for the upcoming school year, recharge my batteries, and grow professionally. During this summer I reminisced on my previous 14 years as an elementary principal. One area that was at the forefront during this process was the decision to pursue my doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy study at Temple University. This was one of the best decisions I have made in my career as an educator. It has opened the door to many possibilities such as teaching at the college level and working as an educational administrator.

My journey started in the Fall of September of 2001. I recall my tour guide at Temple University explaining to our cohort that many of you will not finish your degree. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about continuing down this path after hearing that, but I knew deep down inside that would not be me. After years of tremendously hard work, I successfully defended my dissertation in August of 2006 and graduated in May of 2007.

Along the doctoral journey, there were obstacles and challenges, which can be expected. The best advice I received during my journey was “not to sell out for the job.” I received this advice from Dr. Salvatore Illuzzi, who was the Superintendent of Schools in the Cinnaminson School District at the time. He indicated to me not to pursue a position in administration until I finished my doctoral degree. He pressed upon me that over his career in education, he observed other colleagues start their doctoral work and take a position in educational administration not to return back to finishing their degree. He truly believed that the doctoral degree would open more avenues in my career.

A doctoral degree is not for everyone. Perhaps a Master’s Degree or attending a workshop to further develop an area of expertise might be the pathway for you. I can’t answer that question for anyone but myself. My only advice is to do your homework, assess where you are in life and your career, and determine what is most suitable for you and your professional career. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for others.

The program that I attended started off with a variety of different coursework in the area of educational leadership and policy study, followed by a comprehensive exam of four core subject areas which I took after completing my coursework, and then I conducted my research proposal which led me to completing and successfully defending my dissertation in August of 2006. It truly was one of my biggest accomplishments in my career and I am forever grateful to the amazing professors and staff at Temple University for helping me along that path in my life.

Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Paterson is the principal of Clarence B. Lamb Elementary School in the North Hanover Township School District. He is also an adjunct professor at Temple University, Drexel University, and Holy Family University. Additionally, he is a historian, artist, and enjoys rowing in his spare time.

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