Educators support each other throughout master’s program

For Hannah Marsh of Neligh, Nebraska, and Kylee McManigal of O’Neill, Nebraska, the journey began in 2021 when McManigal joined Marsh's classroom in Clearwater-Orchard Public Schools as a one-on-one paraprofessional for a student with special needs.

Because masks and social distancing were still required during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marsh said she didn't even know what McManigal looked like for the longest time, but appreciated her skills in the classroom.

“Kylee fit in with the classroom dynamic, stepped up and took charge of tasks, and became an essential part of the classroom,” Marsh said.

What started as a working relationship soon developed into a friendship. Marsh described the pair as two halves of a whole, bonding over their careers, families, and shared experiences as mothers.

McManigal said they quickly discovered they complemented each other's strengths.

"We balanced each other out in the classroom, supported one another, and made a great team," she said. "Over time, our working relationship turned into a really close friendship, and we've been best friends ever since."

The relationship continued to evolve as McManigal pursued her bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She later completed her student teaching in Marsh's classroom, with Marsh serving as her mentor teacher.

Watching McManigal grow as an educator was rewarding, Marsh said.

"She was meant to be in an early childhood classroom and fit seamlessly into the role," Marsh said. "I saw her become more confident and self-assured."

After McManigal accepted her first teaching position at O’Neill Public Schools in 2023, the two remained close, continuing to lean on one another professionally and personally.

When Marsh began exploring master's degree programs during the 2023-24 school year, she discovered Chadron State College's Early Childhood Special Education/Curriculum and Instruction program and encouraged McManigal to join her.

"It wasn't a big discussion at the time," Marsh said. "We were just like, ‘OK, let's do it.'"

Enrolling together made the decision less intimidating, McManigal said. The pair registered for many of the same classes, compared notes on assignments, and frequently worked together outside of class.

Their differing personalities helped them succeed. McManigal described Marsh as someone who carefully reads every assignment instruction, while she tends to skim details. Marsh called herself an anxious procrastinator and credited McManigal's calm, organized approach to help her stay focused.

"Honestly, I don't think I could have completed the program without her," Marsh said.

Both women balanced graduate coursework with full-time careers and family responsibilities. McManigal, a single mother raising a six-year-old son with autism, said finding time and energy for coursework after long workdays was often difficult.

"Having someone who understood the stress and constantly encouraged me made a huge difference," she said.

One particularly demanding semester during the summer of 2025 tested both graduates as they completed three intensive courses simultaneously. Although the workload required sacrifices, they said facing the challenge together made it manageable and strengthened their confidence for the remainder of the program.

Throughout the experience, both educators said they learned valuable lessons from one another.

McManigal said Marsh taught her the importance of believing in herself and staying organized, while Marsh credited McManigal with helping her become more flexible, both in the classroom and in life.

"I've learned so much from Kylee over the years," Marsh said. "She taught me different strategies to use in the classroom, organization ideas, different ways to handle behaviors, and a lot about what friendship looks like for busy working moms."

Crossing the graduation stage together represented more than the completion of a degree program.

"Celebrating this milestone together means a lot because it represents not only all the hard work we put in, but also the friendship and support that helped us get there," McManigal said.

Marsh agreed.

"When we started our first classes, graduation seemed so far away," she said. "Now that we have finished, I am so proud of both of us for completing the program. I could not have asked for a better person to have with me on this journey."

Both educators hope their story encourages others who may be considering returning to school.

"It will be tough, but if they really want to take the next step, it is worth it," Marsh said. "Most importantly, have a support system. Life is busy, and we all need a village."

McManigal said their experience demonstrates the power of encouragement and friendship.

"Sometimes all it takes is one person believing you can do something before you finally believe it, too," she said.

As they look ahead, both graduates plan to continue serving young learners. Marsh hopes to one day provide additional special education support for her Summerland Public School district's youngest students, while both women remain committed to early childhood education.

For now, they are celebrating a goal achieved together, built on years of collaboration, mentorship and friendship.

"We say this is our last time going back to college," McManigal said. "But I don't believe it ends here for either of us."