She Was Ready to Lead. A Master’s Degree Made It Possible 

For nearly 18 years, Kaouthar Marouani Flanagan worked in school libraries in Tunisia. She understood how libraries supported learning, how students engaged with reading, and how the space could shape a school experience. 

But her role never changed. 

“I was always a library assistant,” she said. “I didn’t have a chance to grow.”  

She showed up every day with the same level of commitment, building experience year after year. When opportunities opened, she applied but was not selected or even invited to interview. 

It wasn’t a reflection of her ability, rather of what she did not yet have — a master’s degree. 

Starting Over in China 

When Flanagan and her husband decided to move to China, it was the perfect chance to reset her educational career. 

She stepped into a teaching role at a bilingual school, ready to try something new and move forward in a different direction. But the same challenge followed her. 

“I had the experience, but I didn’t have the qualification,” she said.  

Even in a new country, experience mattered, but formal education still determined available roles. 

For Flanagan, it became a pattern she could no longer ignore. 

Making the Decision 

The turning point came through a combination of encouragement, timing, and a shift in mindset. 

Her principal recommended that she pursue her teaching certification. At the same time, her husband had already started his own master’s degree through Moreland University. 

Together, they made the decision to invest in their future. 

“While I’m doing my teaching certificate, I’ll just do my master’s,” she said.  

It was not the easiest time to take on something new. They had just moved, were adjusting to new jobs, raising a young child, and had to plan financially. 

But they committed to it together. 

She enrolled in Moreland University’s 12-month, online Master’s in Education program and chose the Educational Technology specialization, a path that aligned closely with her long-term goal of returning to the library in a more advanced role. 

“I wanted to stay in the library, and library and technology always go together,” she said.  

The M.Ed. program’s structure made it possible to keep moving forward without putting everything else on hold. 

Her sessions were on Sundays, giving her time during the week to manage her work and home responsibilities. 

“All my sessions were on Sunday, and it gave me time to manage everything,” she said.  

When Things Started to Change 

As she moved through the online M.Ed. program, Flanagan noticed a change. 

“Once I started, things shifted in my career,” she said.  

She was no longer waiting for opportunities to appear. She was preparing herself for them. 

When a librarian position opened at her school, she applied again. This time, the outcome was different. 

Her experience was now supported by a master’s degree that aligned directly with the role. 

“Because I had that experience, plus my master’s degree in educational technology, they hired me,” she said.  

Today, she leads the library program at her school. 

“I’m officially doing my dream job,” she said.  

Building Something of Her Own 

Stepping into the role gave Flanagan something she had never had before: ownership. 

Before she took over, the library operated without a clear structure. Teachers would occasionally bring students to check out books, but there was no consistent schedule or instructional plan. 

She saw the opportunity to change that. 

Using what she learned in Moreland’s M.Ed. program, she began building a more intentional approach. She created a schedule, introduced structured lessons, and brought digital citizenship into her work with students. 

“I used what I learned to create my lessons,” she said. “And now they’re loving it.”  

What had once been a passive space became an active part of the school’s learning environment. 

Students spent more time in the library. Teachers became more engaged. The library became a space for learning, exploration, and skill development. 

Learning That Stays with You 

One of the biggest differences for Flanagan was how immediately applicable the program felt. 

The work she completed during her courses did not stay in assignments. It became something she could return to and use in real situations. 

“Sometimes I think, oh, I already did that. I can use it,” she said.  

The support she received throughout the program also played an important role in her experience. 

“The instructors were so helpful. They would explain what I should do,” she said.  

With a global cohort of educators, she also gained new perspectives that continue to influence how she approaches her work today. 

“I learned a lot from my cohort and from my instructors,” she said.  

A New Level of Confidence 

With her new role came something she had not experienced before: confidence in her decisions. 

She was no longer second-guessing her ideas or waiting for approval. She was creating, leading, and shaping the library experience for her students. 

“I get to do what I want to do. It’s my place,” she said.  

That sense of ownership has changed how she shows up every day. 

Advice for Others Thinking About a Master’s 

For educators who feel stuck or unsure about taking the next step, Flanagan’s advice is direct. 

“Just do it. It’s worth it. If you don’t do it, you will never grow.”  

Now in her second year as a librarian, she is continuing to build on what she started. She recently renewed her contract and is focused on expanding the impact of her program even further. 

And for the first time in her career, she is exactly where she wants to be.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career? 

A master’s degree can do more than deepen your knowledge. It can open doors to leadership opportunities you may not have access to yet. 

Moreland’s 12-month, online Master’s in Education program is designed for working educators who are ready to grow into their next role. 

Apply for free or request more information about the M.Ed. program.