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When alumna Anni Suman, a spring 2025 graduate, thinks about Western Illinois University's Master of Arts, Teaching (MAT) program, she thinks of a place that will give opportunities and support in order to help their students to succeed.
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Suman stands with her brother, with whom she graduated in 2025.
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Suman conducts her first concert in her second year of teaching.
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Teaching for the Future - Anni Suman

October 24, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - When alumna Anni Suman, a spring 2025 graduate, thinks about Western Illinois University's Master of Arts, Teaching (MAT) program, she thinks of a place that will give opportunities and support in order to help their students to succeed.

"This program has given me the opportunity to create professional and personal connections that will last me a lifetime," Suman said. "I feel that without this program, I would not be the teacher I am today and I am grateful."

For Suman, she realized late in her junior year of undergrad that she wanted to teach but she thought it was too late with the time she had left. After research and discussions with professors, she discovered that she was able to take her MAT degree online while working full time.

"I have seen myself become a much better teacher throughout my career," Suman said. "I am moving in a direction to become the best I can be because of this program."

Suman says that she is able to constantly see improvements on who she is both in and out of the classroom. Her ability to enhance her lessons for students as well as build connections with those she is surrounded by is something that she takes pride in.

In 2023, Suman was diagnosed with a very rare cancer. "When I told the program, I was immediately met with support and uplifting messages," Suman said. "It was very uplifting to feel that support and be able to tell the program that had supported me through the hardest time of my life, that I had beat cancer."

When going through that hardship, Suman was scared during that time. She says that one thing that she wasn't scared about was what would happen in regards to her degree process. Both the students and professors gave her enough support to push through and graduate on time, regardless of the circumstances.

Suman's advice to those who are considering this program at WIU is to reach out to your professors. "The professors are super welcoming and friendly. They are able to answer questions for you or direct you to others that will be able to help you." Suman says. Her final piece of advice is that if you are afraid of taking the leap, reach out.

To learn more about WIU's Masters of Art in Teaching program, visit https://www.wiu.edu/coehs/education/grad/mat/.

Posted By: Keyana Cruse (k-cruse@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing