Michigan State University is fortunate to have passionate educators who are committed to enhancing the experience of their students and who help to provide the best education possible.

The Graduate School is featuring some of these educators – graduate and postdoc educators – every month to share their unique stories and perspectives on what it means to be a dedicated educator, how they’ve overcome educational challenges, and the ways they have grown through their experiences.

For February 2025, we are featuring Moldir Moldagaliyeva, a doctoral student in Information and Media. In her writeup, Moldir shares about her experience teaching as an international graduate student as she navigated cultural adjustments while overcoming self-doubt.

What does it mean to be an educator at a university?

I am honored to say that my journey as an educator began here at MSU in 2022, when I started my doctoral studies. Initially, when I was assigned as a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate course, I assumed my role would be limited to grading, holding office hours, and assisting the professor. I couldn’t describe the surprise - and the immense sense of responsibility - I felt when I learned that I would be independently teaching recitation sessions.

As an international student for whom English is a third language, stepping into a classroom of predominantly domestic students, many of whom were seniors, was both daunting and humbling. The weight of that responsibility was overwhelming at first, but it became a powerful motivator.

Now, in my third year of teaching, I have gained more experience and confidence, but that deep sense of responsibility has remained with me. It’s a reminder that my role extends beyond delivering lectures - I am helping to shape the next generation of advertising professionals who will go on to make an impact both in the U.S. and globally.

Being an educator means to me recognizing that the assignments and discussions I facilitate are more than academic exercises. They are bridges to new knowledge and practical skills that students will carry into their careers. It is an honor to contribute to their growth, knowing that I play a part in their professional journeys.

Reflecting on this path, I often think back to when I first arrived at MSU in 2020 to pursue my master’s degree - full of self-doubt and uncertainty. Today, standing in front of the U.S. classroom as an instructor at one of the top research institutions, I see how far I have come. This growth fuels my passion for teaching and reminds me of the power of education - not only for students, but for educators as well.

Challenges you have experienced and how have you grown from these?   

During my first semester as a teaching assistant for the Digital Analytics course (where the students use Excel a lot for data analysis), I realized that while I was confident in the material, I struggled with pacing and making sure every student could follow along. Some students provided constructive feedback after the first two weeks through quick surveys I had implemented for attendance and reflection.

They shared that I was moving through demonstrations too quickly, making it challenging to learn to work on Excel for data analysis. Instead of feeling discouraged, I embraced the feedback and made intentional changes. I slowed down my pace and provided more detailed explanations of each step during Excel demonstrations.

Recognizing the importance of understanding my students’ starting points, I began asking them to self-evaluate their Excel proficiency on a 5-point scale at the start of each semester. This simple adjustment helped to understand their prior experience, which allowed me to adjust the pace of the course to fit their needs.

Another challenge was overcoming the initial self-doubt that came with this role due to my international student background. Understanding the nuances of the American educational system, student expectations, and classroom dynamics required a learning curve. However, I learned from supportive MSU community and pedagogy workshops to lean into my unique background as an asset rather than a barrier.

My international perspective and industry experience brought diversity to the classroom and provided insights into global contexts. I learned that vulnerability can be a strength: sharing my experiences openly with students helped build authentic connections with them.

What value do you see in Teaching Professional Development (TPD)?   

I believe that teaching professional development is essential for growth - not just as an educator but as an individual navigating the dynamic landscape of higher education. When I first started teaching, I needed guidance on the basics: how to structure a class, engage undergraduate students, and manage the responsibilities of being an instructor in a U.S. university setting.

Since I did not have the experience of being an undergraduate student in the U.S. myself, this added another layer of uncertainty as I tried to understand the academic culture of undergraduate students. However, as I gained more experience and became more confident in the foundational aspects of teaching, my focus shifted toward higher-level professional development.

This growth feels like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs - once my basic teaching needs were met, I could pursue more advanced skills, such as managing crisis situations, supporting students returning to class after trauma, and improving assessment strategies to better measure student learning. Now, I am interested in how AI can enhance classroom instruction and student engagement and attending professional events with that focus.

Professional development has been the bridge between where I started and where I am now. It has helped me evolve from simply “getting through” a class to thoughtfully designing learning experiences that are inclusive, supportive, and impactful. It is not just about teaching content - it is about understanding students holistically, recognizing when they are facing challenges, and knowing how to respond with empathy and effectiveness.

What is one piece of advice you would give other graduate educators? 

One piece of advice I would give to other graduate educators is to embrace the journey of growth and be open to learning from your students. It can be easy to feel pressure to take on the role of the “expert” in the classroom, especially when you navigate your own graduate journey. However, teaching is not knowing all the answers but fostering an environment where curiosity, critical thinking, and collaborative learning can flourish.

Most of all, be kind to yourself. Balancing teaching responsibilities with graduate studies can be challenging, and it is absolutely normal to experience moments of uncertainty. Each challenge you face is an opportunity for you to grow as an educator because every class you lead is also impacting your own development. 

What do you enjoy in your free time? 

I started running during the pandemic in 2020, exploring the quiet MSU campus. What began as curiosity turned into a habit, leading to my first half-marathon in 2024. Running helps me clear my mind and reflects my academic journey - both require persistence and patience.

I also love capturing moments through mobile photography and videography. Also, I find joy in sharing my Ph.D. experience on social media to inspire other Central Asian women pursuing education abroad. Whenever I can, I enjoy slow mornings, good breakfasts, and, of course, catching up on sleep.

What non-academic book are you currently reading/or is a favorite?

One of my favorite non-academic books is “Educated” by Tara Westover. I was really inspired by her story of growing up in a challenging environment and how education changed her life. Her journey showed me how powerful learning can be, even when facing tough times. As a Ph.D. student, I connected with her determination to keep going, no matter the obstacles.

I also love the books of Khaled Hosseini. His novels are very emotional, showing the contrasts of struggles and hopes of people. His books always make me think deeply about life, family, the role of women, and the strength of the human spirit.