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Michael Bennight
B.A. (with teacher preparation, Tacoma site), 2003
 After 19 years as an instrument technician in the aviation business, Michael Bennight says he was inspired by his wife Cindy to complete a bachelor’s degree and become a teacher. She is a 2002 Antioch graduate. He’s not far behind.
When he served as a scoutmaster for four years, he discovered how fulfilling teaching could be.
"My career has not changed yet, but very soon will when I become a teacher," he says. “My life is changing as I learn more about myself and about others. My philosophy of teaching has developed through the courses. I see more clearly the need to reach out to all students to help them become lifelong learners and raise the bar of expectations."
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Denisse Christensen
B.A. (with teacher preparation), 2004
 After 21 years of working for the Federal Way School District as a para-educator or teacher’s aide, Denisse Christensen decided it was time to seek her teacher certification.
Why did she choose Antioch?
"I am finally working toward fulfilling the dream I have had my whole life of being a teacher, not just somebody else’s ‘helper,’" she describes.
"Antioch accepted all of my previously earned credits. They also offered a program that fit into my schedule of being a wife, mother and grandmother while working two jobs. Although I had to cut back the time worked at one of my jobs, Antioch’s schedule has given me the opportunity to keep my life as ‘normal’ as possible for family members."
Christensen says she talks up Antioch to her co-workers and two of them already have enrolled. As she reflects on her first year, she says she has had many experiences she will carry with her for life.
“The education I am receiving at Antioch is invaluable," she says. “All of the classes I have taken so far have had an emphasis on being able to take the information learned back into the classroom. Even beyond the academic material I have learned, I have gained skills and insight to hopefully become a sensitive, caring teacher with the ability to reach and help all students regardless of their cultural background."
Community involvement has been part of Christensen’s life for many years, especially working with the developmentally disabled.
"Antioch gave me the opportunity to become an Americorp Team member," she says. “I used this to further enrich my work with the disabled and gain more community awareness of this group."
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Deva Rinehardt
B.A. (with teacher preparation, Tacoma site), 2003
Deva Rinehardt had been a para-educator in Federal Way before she enrolled at Antioch. She worked as a teacher’s aide for English as a second language and special education.
"Compared to other schools, Antioch was one of the few universities that had an accelerated certification program," she says. “The program is uniquely set up for para-educators who are working in the education field and want to complete a degree."
She credits Antioch with doing more than simply helping her meet requirements to become a teacher.
"Fortunately, I have become an educator who understands the importance of having a multicultural curriculum."
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