From Translator to Teacher: A Journey Shaped by Language, Passion, and Purpose
Published: | by Erin Martin
For Aissatou Kaba, teaching was not part of a carefully planned career path. It was something she discovered step by step.
Growing up in Guinea, a French-speaking country, Kaba was surrounded by language from an early age. When she later returned to Liberia, she began working as a translator, helping bridge communication between French and English speakers in professional settings.
That experience opened doors for her. Still, it was her first classroom opportunity that truly changed everything.
She started as an assistant teacher in a fourth-grade classroom. From there, she stepped into an elementary art teaching role, supported French classes, and took on responsibilities wherever she was needed. Over time, her adaptability and dedication became clear.
“They saw the passion and the love that I had for teaching,” Kaba shared.
That passion led to a new opportunity. She was encouraged to consider pursuing a master’s degree, a step that would push her beyond what she thought was possible.
A Turning Point: Choosing Moreland
At first, the idea of earning a master’s degree felt uncertain.
Kaba had completed her bachelor’s degree at a French university, and enrolling in an English-language graduate program came with questions. Would she be able to keep up? Could she succeed in a different academic environment?
This moment became a turning point.
Instead of letting doubt hold her back, she leaned into the challenge.
“If I was able to start from the beginning in French and reach this level, then I can do it,” she said.
She began researching programs, exploring different options, and speaking with colleagues. Through that process, she discovered the 12-month Master’s in Education program at Moreland University.
What stood out was not just the program itself, but the opportunity to grow in a supportive, global learning environment. Once she applied, the enrollment process was more straightforward than she expected. With her transcripts and documentation ready, she was able to move forward quickly and begin her studies.
Balancing Work, Life, and Learning
Like many educators, Kaba completed her master’s while working full-time.
Her coursework often took place on Sunday evenings. By Monday morning, she was back in the classroom, teaching her students. The transition was not easy, but with discipline and persistence, she found a way to manage her time and grow with the challenge.
“It was challenging, but at the same time rewarding,” she said. “Because I learned so many wonderful things that I am applying today.”
Learning to Support Every Student
One of the most impactful areas of growth for Kaba was learning how to meet the needs of every student in her classroom.
Before joining Moreland’s Master’s in Education program, she had experience teaching young learners, but her approach evolved significantly during her studies. She developed a deeper understanding of differentiation, lesson planning, and how to support students at different levels.
“I learned how to organize lessons for students who are struggling, students who are advanced, and students who need a little push,” she said.
This shift allowed her to become more intentional in her teaching. She began designing lessons that helped each student progress, no matter where they started.
Her experience as both an educator and a parent also shaped her perspective.
She brought the same patience, understanding, and care she used at home into her classroom, creating an environment where students felt supported in their growth.
Growing into a Global Educator
Today, Kaba teaches at the American International School of Monrovia in Liberia, where she serves as a middle and high school French teacher and an International Baccalaureate (IB) educator.
During her time in the online M.Ed. program, she connected with educators from around the world. That global community became one of the most meaningful parts of her experience.
“We were collaborating like one family,” she said. “No one was judging how you spoke or shared your ideas.”
That sense of belonging helped build her confidence and reminded her that educators everywhere are working toward the same goal.
The Power of Encouragement
Kaba’s journey was shaped by her determination and the people who supported her along the way.
She recalls one Moreland instructor who made a lasting impact early in the M.Ed. program. Recognizing Kaba’s background and potential, even virtually, the instructor offered consistent encouragement and reassurance.
“She was always there to say, ‘Of course you can do it,’” Kaba shared.
That encouragement helped her push through moments of doubt and stay committed to her goals. Today, she carries that same mindset into her own teaching, supporting her students in the same way she was supported.
Advice for Educators Considering a Master’s
For educators thinking about taking the next step, Kaba’s advice is simple: Keep going.
“Keep discovering, keep researching, keep advancing,” she said.
She has seen how easy it can be to stop after earning a bachelor’s degree, especially when work and life become demanding. But she believes growth requires a conscious decision to continue.
“If you want to move forward, you have to push yourself,” she explained.
A Message to Educators Everywhere
Aissatou Kaba’s story is a reminder that where you start does not define where you can go. Whether you come from a French-speaking country, an English-speaking country, or any background in between, your path is still open.
“I am proof,” she said. “If you have the love for what you are doing, you can do it.”
Her journey shows that growth is not about having all the answers from the beginning. It is about having the courage to take the next step and the determination to keep going.
And sometimes, that decision can change everything.
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