ABERDEEN, S.D. — For Jenny Aman of Roscoe, South Dakota, pursuing a second college degree means finding a way to balance her education with raising three daughters, working full time at a local school and coaching student-athletes.

Now 41, Aman is pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education at Northern State University while working as a paraprofessional and Title I support staff member. She also serves as head cross country coach and assistant track coach at the school where she works.

Her decision to return to college grew out of her experiences working with young people, particularly through coaching.

“A few years ago, a position opened up for me to coach middle school and high school cross country,” Aman said. “I have always been a runner, but I never imagined myself as a coach.”

What began as an unfamiliar opportunity soon became something she loved.

“There is nothing better than helping a student-athlete work to achieve their goals and helping them succeed,” Aman said.

That experience encouraged her to consider a career in teaching.

Aman previously earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish but had taken several education courses during her first college experience. Although she ultimately chose a different field, becoming a teacher remained a goal.

As her daughters grew older, Aman decided the time was right to return to school and pursue her interest in elementary education.

Northern's online program provided the flexibility she needed to continue working, coaching and raising her family while earning her degree.

After discussing her goals with Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of Northern State University's Millicent Atkins School of Education, and academic advisor Tim Moffett, Aman realized she could make college work with her schedule.

“They helped me see how I could balance working full-time, coaching, being a mom, and earning my degree by using the asynchronous online school option,” Aman said. “Once I could see on paper how it would be possible, I was all-in.”

“What I love about Jenny's story is that she was already doing so much of what makes a great teacher long before she enrolled in our program,” Schwan said. “She was encouraging students, helping them believe in themselves, and celebrating their successes. When Jenny and I first talked, it wasn't a question of whether she belonged in a classroom. It was a question of how we could help her get there. I'm incredibly proud that Northern can be part of her journey, and I think about how fortunate her future students will be to have her as their teacher.”

Her typical weekday begins at 7:45 a.m. at the elementary school in Roscoe, where she works until 3:30 p.m. Cross country practice follows from 4 to 6 p.m., with evenings reserved for family time and coursework.

Because her school operates on a four-day schedule, Aman uses Fridays and weekends to complete much of her schoolwork.

“There is no way I would be able to earn this degree if it wasn't for the online option,” Aman said. “I can watch lectures and do homework in the evenings and on weekends.”

Despite studying remotely, Aman has developed meaningful connections with her professors. She credits Northern faculty with helping her feel supported while balancing her academic and professional responsibilities.

“My professors at Northern are the best,” Aman said. “I have never felt like I am working toward this goal alone.”

Aman said courses taught by Dr. Schutter, Dr. Hermansen, Dr. Dieter and Dr. Cameron have strengthened her confidence and enthusiasm for becoming a teacher.

“I am learning so much from them,” Aman said. “Not just their class content, but in what it means to be a good teacher.”

Working in an elementary school has also allowed Aman to apply what she learns at Northern directly to her work with students.

“I feel like I am getting hands-on learning while studying something new at the same time,” Aman said. “Working at the school and applying what I am learning is an awesome bonus, like I am getting two educations at once!”

Her educational journey also carries personal meaning for her three daughters, who are in middle school and high school and participate on the running teams she coaches.

Aman regularly encourages her daughters and student-athletes to prioritize education and recognize the opportunities it creates.

“Your education is something no one can take from you,” Aman said. “It is a gift; if you have the opportunity to get an education, you need to take it.”

She also draws inspiration from her grandmother, who earned her GED in her 50s after raising eight children.

“I have had so many examples of women in my life who have shown me it is never too late to do something, and you are never too old,” Aman said. “My grandma earned her GED in her 50s, after raising eight children. I think about her all the time when I am working toward this degree.”

Scheduled to graduate in fall 2027, Aman hopes to become an elementary or Title I teacher. She also plans to pursue additional endorsements in reading and literacy, an area she is particularly passionate about.

For other adults considering returning to college but concerned about balancing work, family and school, Aman encourages them to reach out and explore their options.

Aman said talking with Northern faculty and staff helped her understand how earning her degree could fit into her already busy life.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about going back to school to reach out to the people at Northern and ask questions,” Aman said. “Talking with them is what helped me realize I could do this.”

For Aman, Northern's online elementary education program has made it possible to pursue a longtime goal while remaining connected to her family, work and community.

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.