Bridget Johnston balances teaching, family and graduate studies on her path to school counseling

For Bridget Johnston of Hemingford, Nebraska, the decision to pursue a master’s degree in school counseling at Concordia University, Nebraska was rooted in both practicality and purpose. “I liked how quickly I could complete my courses,” Johnston said, noting that the flexibility of Concordia’s program made graduate school feel possible while working full-time as a provisional school counselor. Encouragement from her administrator, also a Concordia graduate, gave her the final push to enroll in May 2024. 

From the beginning, the experience was impactful. “My overall experience at Concordia has been very positive and enriching,” Johnston said. “The program challenged me to grow both professionally and personally while providing support and flexibility that made it possible to manage my responsibilities as a full-time educator.” 

That balance has not come without challenges. “Balancing teaching and graduate school have been challenging but also rewarding,” she admitted. “My schedule is very full, and there are weeks when I feel stretched thin. Having support at home and school has been extremely valuable for me.” 

Concordia’s program design also helped lighten the load. “Concordia has been incredibly supportive,” Johnston said. “The structure of the program encourages time management without feeling overwhelming.” Her professors played a significant role as well. “Professors have been encouraging and understanding, often offering guidance when I needed clarification on assignments or concepts.” 

With so much on her plate, Johnston leaned on strong habits to keep moving forward. “I worked hard to set aside time to manage my family time, my two jobs, my coaching position, as well as my schoolwork. I have had to be very diligent about sticking to a schedule,” she said. She found success by breaking assignments into smaller pieces and dedicating specific blocks of time to coursework. 

Even in the midst of a packed schedule, she discovered community. “Even as a busy graduate student, I have felt a sense of community through discussion boards, collaborative projects and supportive professors,” Johnston said. “Connecting with peers who understand the demands of balancing work and school has also been valuable.” 

Away from her studies, Johnston’s peace is her family. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children, Emily (17) and Kade (13). “Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, camping and supporting my children in their extracurricular pursuits,” she said. 

Already, Johnston sees the difference in her day-to-day work. “The program has already positively impacted my professional life. I am better equipped to handle student needs, and more confident in collaborating with staff and families to support student growth.”  

Her advice for other full-time teachers who are considering graduate studies is simple, but heartfelt. “Plan carefully, establish a strong support system and stay organized.” 

Looking ahead, she sees her degree as both strengthening her role as a school counselor and opening doors for leadership opportunities. “It will help me continue to make a positive difference in students’ lives,” she said. 

The master of arts in school counseling program at Concordia University, Nebraska equips graduate students with the knowledge, skills and Christ-centered perspective needed to serve the emotional, social, academic and spiritual needs of today’s students.