On the Quest for New Horizons
As my time in the MAED program comes to an end, I am looking towards my future as a learner. There are many ways to acquire new knowledge and build oneself as a professional. I am not limited to a classroom, online learning platform, or workshop. The possibilities are endless, I just need to keep an open mind. As an educator, I hold high expectations for myself in regards to my continued success. I will have many different opportunities as a result of my new degree, but I must capitalize on them to make them my own. I have set goals for myself, and as I come around the bend to greet this next adventure I will carry out my next set of plans. I will test my expertise as I move into a position of increased leadership within my current teaching position. This will include continuing on with my role as the Grade Level Chair, along with continued school improvement work and responsibilities. As I continue to practice as a teacher of language arts, I will attend more professional developments that will aid in my understanding and implementation of the Common Core State Standards. I will also be looking even farther ahead as I consider where I would like to see myself as I enter my sixth year of teaching.
The courses I have taken through my graduate program have helped me to feel very comfortable and confident with the use of new technologies. I look forward to using more of what I have mastered in my own classroom, while sharing ideas with my fellow colleagues. I might even consider working as a virtual instructor, if granted the opportunity. Online learning was something I had not even considered in the past since I was so accustomed to the traditional classroom setting. It turns out that this type of learning was an excellent experience. It may not be for everyone, but was perfect for me. I would like to share what I know about this unique way of gaining knowledge with as many people as I can. Furthermore, in this digital age advances in technology are rapid and always changing. I cannot even begin to name every web tool and online learning resource I have discovered throughout my studies. I hope to attend even more workshops and professional developments in which I can explore even more of what this technological rich world has to offer. As previously mentioned, I will not hesitate to share my skills with staff and students alike in hopes of instilling some of the passion I have for technology within others.
Continuing on with my thoughts on teaching with technology, I have considered a possible change in my career in the near future. Throughout my time spent in the graduate program, my current school and county have purchased several online learning sites to engage and motivate students. Some examples of these sites include, but are not limited to Achieve3000, Ticket to Read, PENDA Learning, and The Learning Odyssey. Representatives from these sites work closely with the teachers at my school to provide professional development and support throughout the entire implementation process. This practice really captures my attention. I could see myself being part of a team like this, providing teachers with necessary direction and tools for success. I would also be able to share my own personal experience using these resources in my own classroom. This move would definitely require me to think carefully about my decision to leave the classroom. I would then have to choose the online learning website I am most interested in and go through the process of interviewing. I have taken the time to speak with representatives and they have told me this is a feasible goal for a teacher interested in this type of work experience.
Nothing feels more satisfying than knowing I will soon hold a Master of Arts in Education through Michigan State University. I have put forth a great deal of effort towards this particular achievement, but the work towards bettering myself is far from over. I will always be looking for opportunities to challenge and immerse myself in new educational experiences. Further along the road I even hope to earn another degree. In all, there are so many wonderful chances that are presented in life that it is hard for me to determine the exact path I will take. The most important thing I must remind myself is to not be afraid of taking on a challenge. I have moved far away from home and started teaching my own classroom at a completely new elementary school. I have almost earned my graduate degree by participating in online courses related to technology and learning. These choices took careful thought and consideration, but each turned out to be worthwhile in the end. As I have learned from my past, change can be a positive thing. Taking a chance can be a necessary step in the right direction. Being realistic, working hard, and thinking ahead are the keys to accomplishing your goals. If taking a risk pays off in the end, it is worth it!