Future Learning Goals
A Future Built on a Foundation of Opportunity, Innovation, Mentorship
The field of education is such a diverse area of combined learning and teaching. Without the dual capacity to be both an educator and learner, I wouldn’t be able to teach effectively, plan engaging lessons, or have fun working with my students. In the future, there are opportunities that I hope to take advantage of in order to find new, innovative, and effective ways of using technology resources and integrating these tools and resources in my English classroom. I hope to continue my education, formally and informally, in order to share my resources and serve as a leader and consultant. The goals that I have now are a result of the education I have had, the educators who have left an impact on my life, and the experiences I have had along the way.
Throughout the Master of Arts in Education Degree (MAED) program, I elected to take courses that were centered on educational technology and exploration into tools and resources that could enrich students’ education experiences. It was in these Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education courses that I realized my greatest interest and the passion that evolved out of this program. The importance of these courses is not only in what I have been able to learn and translate to my classroom experiences already but what I will continue to be able to offer my students. The new and unique learning opportunities that I will be able to share with my students because of the lessons and experiences I have had in these courses will continue to impact my practice and position as a learner and educator for years to come. My goal for the future is to continue to build on what I have learned and expand my knowledge in the field of educational technology, including technological tools, resources, and their application in the classroom.
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Developing a balance of traditional and technologically enhanced lessons and activities in the classroom is quickly becoming a necessity in the modern classroom. To be able to do this creatively and effectively is a desired skill and a skill set that should be shared. My connection to my students’ lives and participation in the sphere of apps, tech tools, and social media allows me to become more fully engaged in their interests and find new ways of engaging them in English language arts. I am dedicated to this practice and feel strongly that this combined understanding and dedication positions me as a leader. I would like to continue working with and learning from my students; learning about what interests them and engages them so that I can find the best ways to share what I love and am passionate about in the English classroom. I believe that by actively seeking out, experimenting with and sharing resources, tools, and ideas with my colleagues as well as participating in educational leadership groups in my school and offering support to new and experienced teachers alike, I can step further into a position of leadership and continue to expand how I am able to serve the school and district.
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The network of teachers, colleagues, friends, mentors, and other supports have all shared with me tools to help me become a good leader. The great organization, creative ideas, and problem-solving skills that these individuals possess are among the most important tools that these important people in my life have shared with me. I am very happy in my current teaching position. However, I am also optimistic and excited for the possibilities for change in the future. As I continue in my current teaching position, I look forward to seeking out opportunities and experiences outside of the classroom that will push my thinking, my practice, and my position in the field of education and help me progress towards the goal of becoming a leader in and out of the traditional classroom. I hope to continue finding opportunities to center my career in education whether it is through work in higher education, research in educational technology, proposal and article submissions for conferences and publications in education and technology, consultancy, or teaching as I have been, but in new settings.
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With an open view on education, an emphasis in educational technology, and the potential for new experiences and leadership within this field, I am excited about the possibility for variety and new opportunities. This program may have only been a small piece of my education and career as an educator, but its impact is lasting and has motivated me to explore new areas in education and use tools, ideas, and other resources with innovation.