Graduate Student Spotlight | Ryan Riesmeyer

"My favorite part is the classes. Each one really does serve a purpose and doesn’t seem like a filler. From the classes I’ve taken, I almost have begun to utilize the new information immediately."

Ryan Riesmeyer, M.S. Educational Leadership

Program

Educational Leadership (M.S., Certificate)

Department

Education

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
Education
Athletics

10/30/2023

Ryan Riesmeyer is a current student in the master’s in educational leadership program at Hood College. Outside of the Graduate School, Riesmeyer is a current public high school teacher at Frederick County Public Schools, teaching engineering applications and architectural design at Frederick High. In 2022, Riesmeyer was named TEEAM’s Best New Teacher for Technology/Engineering in the state of Maryland. Riesmeyer graduated from St. Vincent College with a degree in business computer information technology and then went on to obtain a master’s in management. Outside of teaching, Riesmeyer is the head boy’s lacrosse coach at Frederick High and is an assistant on Hood College’s men’s lacrosse team.

Why did you choose Hood College and the educational leadership program?

I choose Hood College because I am a part of our men’s lacrosse coaching staff but have also know the College for quite some time prior to being added to the staff. Also, when I began looking to enhance my education, Hood College was mentioned to me by several colleagues and other professionals in the surrounding area.

How is your work-life balance between teaching, coaching and learning?

It’s all about balance and finding what works for you in the end. For me, establishing a routine and cutting each day into fourths allows me to meet deadlines. With this thought process, it helps me to tackle my tasks in smaller chunks, which equal small victories. Those small victories then keep my momentum going through my rigorous days.

What do you enjoy most about being at Hood College?

I enjoy the professors; they are real professionals. Most of them are adjuncts, so they give so much “real-time” input on current situations and issues that we future leaders may/will be exposed to.

What is your favorite part of the educational leadership program?

My favorite part is the classes. Each one really does serve a purpose and doesn’t seem like a filler. From the classes I’ve taken, I almost have begun to utilize the new information immediately—from how school policy works to how administrations can further implement new procedure within a school setting to improve the learning atmosphere.

How do you think it does or will help you in your career and life?

This program is preparing me for the next step in my professional career. I’m not entirely sure what lies ahead for me, but I know this program is allowing me to tackle or overcome any obstacle down the road.

Any other information/fun facts that you would like to add?

Professor Shea is the best department chair I’ve ever worked with. He alone brings so much passion and excitement for this program. It was my personal meeting with him in the beginning that really sold applying to this program.

Inspired by Ryan’s story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood’s graduate programs, including the Educational Leadership program, by clicking here.