LOOKING FORWARD
The end of my master’s program does not mean that it is the end of my learning or the height of my professional career. Quite the contrary, my time at MSU has enhanced my desire for knowledge and shown me deeper aspects of myself and the world of education. Below, I describe three specific areas of education that I am passionate about and that I want to continue cultivating throughout my career: Curriculum Leadership, Technology Leadership, and Educational Policy-Making. I also describe resources that could help me reach my goals in each area.
Curriculum Leadership
I would like to continue developing and growing my skills as a curriculum writer. To do this, I will continue to apply and write for my district as a Language Arts curriculum writer. I will also attend conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest Language Arts research and to ensure my lessons reflect the latest best-practices. Not only will this help inform my curriculum decisions for the district, but it will also help develop my craft as an educator as I bring the latest best-practices into my own classroom. Some of the educational conferences I’d like to attend include: Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA) Conference, and National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE) Convention.
Technology Leadership
I would also like to continue developing my skills with technology and teach others to do the same. I can do this by continuing to learn about and try new tools, possibly reading the journal, Computers and Education, to stay up-to-date on the latest educational technology products. I can also hone my craft with current technologies by taking professional development courses and getting additional certificates such as Google Certified Educator, Formative Certified Educator, or EdPuzzle Coach. These will, in turn, allow me to help those around me and possibly lead my own professional developments on my campus or in my district. Ultimately, however, these skills will help me continue developing as an educator and curriculum writer as I bring new and innovative tools into my lessons.
Educational Policy
This is a long-term goal I have set for myself - to be more involved with local and state policy making. This involves keeping up with the current policies on the table, attending board meetings when possible, and networking in order to stay informed and influence policymakers when given the opportunity. To do this, I can begin by enhancing my online social network by following policymakers on Twitter or LinkedIn and keeping-up with my local and state board schedules. I can also educate myself on the process of policy-making by reading books such as Public Policy Making: Process and Principles and Educational Change and the Political Process, or following the latest policies and news from the U.S. Department of Education. I am also considering the continuation of my formal education by seeking a doctoral degree in Educational Policy, which would further provide the resources and experience I need to achieve this goal.
Conclusion: Lifelong Learning
Overall, I want to continue in my journey of lifelong learning and pursue the things I am most passionate about. In the realm of education, I am passionate about leadership inside and outside of the classroom - doing what is best for my students and guiding others to do the same. By growing in these specific areas, I believe I will be able to impact not only my students, but other teachers and even policymakers as well.
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