After 19 years working in early childhood education as the Center Director for Miraclelove Academy, Maria Adesina ’26MEd returned to the classroom to strengthen her skills as an educator and continue growing as a leader.

Originally from Nigeria and now based in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., Adesina is now earning a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education with PreK–4 Certification. She chose to return to school for graduate study at Arcadia to continue growing professionally while setting the academy up for future success.

“I decided to come back to school because I wanted to build on my years of experience in early childhood education and become a certified teacher,” Adesina said. “After working in the field for many years, I knew that earning my master’s degree and certification would help me grow as an educator and leader. I also wanted to be prepared for future opportunities, including helping to open one of our classrooms for PreK Counts, which requires a certified teacher. Returning to school was a way for me to strengthen my knowledge, support children and families more effectively, and continue advancing in the work I love.”

Adesina has found success within the program.

“During my time at Arcadia, I have gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to grow as an educator and leader,” she said. “My academic and field experiences have strengthened my understanding of teaching, curriculum, and child development, while preparing me to serve students and families with greater purpose and professionalism.”

For Adesina, staying on top of professional responsibilities, studies, and personal life has been both a challenge and a reward.

“My proudest accomplishment is my journey of becoming a stronger educator, leader, and role model while successfully balancing my academic studies, professional responsibilities, and personal commitments,” she said. “One challenge I have had to overcome to get to this point is learning how to balance multiple responsibilities at once. Managing my studies at Arcadia while working and handling personal commitments was not always easy.”

When she’s not in class herself, Adesina continues to impact her students and others in her community.

“I enjoy supporting children’s learning and development while also growing as an educator and leader,” she said. “Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, praying, watching movies, and taking time to reflect and recharge. My life outside the classroom is grounded in faith, service, growth, and making a difference.”

Adesina hopes to continue advancing her career as an educator through leadership, service, and professional growth, while exploring future graduate school opportunities. 

“I am passionate about supporting children and families, and I hope to continue growing into roles that allow me to lead, inspire, and make a difference on a larger scale,” she said. “While I am still finalizing my next steps, I am excited about the opportunities ahead and confident that this is only the beginning of a greater journey.”

She looks back fondly on her time as a Knight.

“My Arcadia experience has been one of growth, resilience, and transformation. It has strengthened me academically, professionally, and personally, and it has given me the confidence to keep pursuing my goals,” Adesina said. “I am thankful for the lessons I have learned, the people I have met, and the experiences that have helped shape who I am today. This journey has meant a lot to me, and I will always carry the impact of Arcadia with me as I move forward into the next chapter of my life.”