One of the strengths of Normandale’s Sirtify® program is the collection of potential future teachers from a diverse collection of ages and backgrounds.
Kevin Asberry is a great example of the variety of experiences students can bring to the program. Asberry has been a union plumber for 15 years, served in the military where he had two tours in Iraq, used to work the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and was a sales representative for 12 years. When you talk to him about his experiences, he states that his most important job was being a father and husband.
Prior to joining Sirtify®, Asberry was talking to his Veterans Readiness and Employment (VRE) representative about figuring out his next career move. Plumbing had taken a toll on Asberry’s body, and he was trying to figure out what he wanted to do next.
He took a career assessment test, and teaching was one of the professions that came up. The result resonated with him, because of the enjoyment he had in teaching his five kids and also coaching them in sports.
“I always enjoyed being around kids when it came to teaching and coaching activities that involved my children,” said Asberry. “When I saw the assessment result, I knew I wanted to try to teach early childhood education. When it comes to early childhood education in Minnesota, there are very few Black male educators. I am excited to learn in this program, get my degree, and provide that perspective in the classroom.”
Asberry grew up in California, but he also remembers not having a lot of Black male teachers. He does remember one of his few Black teachers, Mr. Weeks, having an impact on his education that he only realized as he got older and reflected back on the lessons he learned.
Asberry joined the Sirtify® program in Spring 2025, and has been impressed with the level of support it has provided.
“The biggest thing for me has been how well the program is organized,” said Asberry. “They don’t want to see you fail at all, and they are there every step of the way. From helping to advise you on what classes to take to working with you on your potential transfer path, they are there every step of the way. The support is really great.”
Asberry was initially nervous to be back in school for the first time since 1993, but Normandale has been a very supportive educational environment.
“I was not expecting to have such great relationships with my instructors,” said Asberry. “My experience with all of them has been above and beyond my expectations.”
Asberry is still in the middle of the program, but he is looking forward to successfully complete his degree at Normandale, possibly follow the path of others before him in the program to Metro State, and to teach K-6. He is excited about diversifying the teaching workforce and that a program like Sirtify® exists for future teachers.
“I am extremely excited about being in the early stages of a program that could have such a huge impact on education in Minnesota,” said Asberry. “I am taking everything one step at a time, but I look forward to being successful in this program and coming back to say great things about it. To be part of Sirtify® I wear as a badge of honor, similar to the pride I had of being in the U.S. military.”
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