Russell Raffay

Student, pursuing an M.Ed in Administration and
Supervision

Russell Raffay, a high school history teacher, believes in lifelong learning. He also believes in preparing for his future, which includes a transition into education administration. American Military University, with its affordable tuition and flexible online learning format, helps him accomplish both.

Raffay is now pursuing his Master’s of Education in Administration and Supervision from AMU. He’s an AMU alumnus, having earned his master’s degree in military studies in 2003. He also has a master’s degree in history from a traditional university.

“When the time comes when I need to leave the classroom, I need to be ready,” says Raffay, who has been teaching for 17 years. “AMU gives me that opportunity.”

Raffay loves history and he loves discussing it with students.  He also serves as school board president for his own community – another example of his commitment to education. He keeps energized by attending summer seminars taught by today’s leading historians.

Raffay’s decision to pursue another master’s is part of preparing for a solid future for his family. Raffay and his wife, Marie, are the parents of four young children. That’s also where AMU fits in. Raffay pays for most of his tuition himself. He needed a university with affordable tuition – and one that was also regionally accredited. And, more practically, attending an online learning university saves him the fuel costs of traveling to a traditional university – more than $100 a month, he estimates.

“AMU has the best tuition around and the faculty is top-notch,” Raffay says. “I have been very impressed with the programs since my first year as an AMU graduate student back in 1997.” 

Raffay was pursuing his military studies master’s degree at that time. He originally planned a career in the military and attended Virginia Military Institute. However, he was medically discharged because of his asthma. He was able to complete his bachelor’s degree in history there, but now needed a career direction. A family member connected him with an elementary school that was looking for a teacher. Raffay’s parents were both teachers, so it was a natural progression for him. He later taught at a high school, a community college and now has been teaching economics and history at a New Jersey high school since 2000. Throughout that time, he completed his military studies master’s degree online.

Teaching – and online learning -- provides the work-life balance that is so important to Raffay. He is able to study around his own classroom’s schedule and family obligations. In fact, he plans to log in to AMU’s electronic classroom while vacationing with his family. They’re planning a trip to Wyoming and will stay at campgrounds with wireless Internet access.

“AMU offers a quality, accredited education for the ‘on the go’ student,” Raffay says.  “The career opportunities that AMU has afforded me are immense.”

Fast Facts:

►Residence:  Stanhope, N.J.

►Occupation:  High school history teacher

►Degree path: Pursuing his third master’s degree, a master’s of education in administration and supervision

►Career goal: Transition from teaching into education administration