For Justin (Rattanin) Chaipet, performing on stage has always been more than an art form. “Theater gave me a sense of self and purpose,” he explains, “that’s where I find myself.” Earning Avila University’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education (9-12) online gave him the credentials to turn his experience and passion into a rewarding career helping students discover what the arts can unlock in their lives.
Originally from Thailand, Justin came to the United States for college and intended to return home to teach theater after graduation. Instead, he chose to stay, working in various roles outside of education or theater while planning his next step. This period included two and a half years as a delivery driver. Although Justin had two theater degrees, he kept running into the same obstacle: without a U.S. teaching certification, he was rejected from the theater teaching roles he applied for. That led him to search for a degree program that would help him get certified and start growing his career in education.
Justin describes himself as someone who learns best by “observing, listening, and doing simultaneously,” so Avila’s practical approach to teaching was a huge draw. “When I was looking into programs,” he recalled, “what caught my attention was how Avila described putting you in a real classroom from day one. That really spoke to me.” In his view, the program followed through. “They delivered on exactly what they promised, and then some.”
Justin spent a full year of his MAT program (across two semesters) in practicum before beginning student teaching, and recalls feeling “prepared” for this transition because of the hands-on education he had received. “The program didn’t just hand me a book and a theory,” he explained, “It gave me practical tools that combined my theater expertise with solid educational foundations.”
As a working adult balancing a full life outside of school, Justin came to appreciate Avila’s flexible online learning component as much as the in-person practicum. “I grew up believing you had to be physically present to get a real education, face-to-face with your professor in a classroom,” he said, “this program completely changed that for me.” When his family visited from Thailand, Justin traveled with them to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and national parks in Utah while keeping up with his coursework. Tech tools such as Teams and OneDrive allowed him to submit assignments and connect with classmates across time zones, and he saw firsthand how asynchronous learning could still feel collaborative and rigorous. “Online learning isn’t just acceptable,” he said, “it’s amazing that you can get a quality education from anywhere in the world.”
Today, as a technical director for a high school theater program in Olathe, Kansas, Justin helps students design productions and navigate technical challenges behind the scenes. His first semester in the role, he also watched rehearsals for the Kansas Thespian Festival and offered constructive feedback to the student performers. Justin’s impact helped break a school record – 26 students earned superior ratings and qualified for the International Thespian Festival. “I always tell my students,” Justin says, “theater doesn’t just teach you how to act or build a set. It teaches you to problem-solve, collaborate, and compromise.” While he’s proud of the scores his students achieved, he knows the skills he’s helped them develop through theater “will serve them in any career path they choose.”
Justin is now certified to teach speech and theater and said that Avila’s MAT program went “above and beyond” in making the process as simple as possible. He is actively applying for full-time teaching positions, with the long-term goal of leading a high school theater program where students feel “supported, challenged, and inspired” to find their voice. “Now that I have my theater background and my education degree combined,” he says, “I feel like I’ve finally completed a full puzzle.”
With this perspective, Justin encourages prospective online students to “give yourself a chance” and apply. “Every investment in education is an investment in your own growth.”
What Avila’s MAT Offers Future Teachers
Across Avila University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching programs, students complete asynchronous coursework alongside immersive field and student-teaching experiences, making it possible to build practical skills while preparing for licensure in Missouri. The MAT in Secondary Education (Grades 9-12) allows students to pursue certification in biology, business, chemistry, English, marketing, social studies, or speech/theater. Avila also offers MAT programs in art, music, or physical education (K-12), elementary education (grades 1-6), middle school education (grades 5-9), and special education (K-12).
Whichever program you choose, you’ll benefit from engaged, supportive faculty and a curriculum built around the real demands of today’s classrooms. Covering everything from teaching pedagogy and classroom management to instructional strategies and assessment, the program equips you with practical tools you can apply right away.
The Avila Online Experience
At Avila, your online experience is designed to fit your life and support your goals. With asynchronous coursework that’s accessible anywhere, anytime, you can earn your degree while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Along the way, you’ll learn from faculty who provide thoughtful, personalized feedback to help you grow with confidence.
Beyond the classroom, Avila offers the support you need to succeed from day one through graduation. As an online student, you’ll have access to resources like 24/7 tutoring, success coaching, career services, IT support, and library services that help you stay on track and prepare for what’s next.
Take the Next Step
Prepare for licensure and beyond with an online Master of Arts in Teaching. Learn more and apply today.
