Throughout my teaching career, I have explored new pathways of teaching and discovered my specific appeal to learning and teaching about literacy. I have engaged in various curriculum and used data driven instruction to improve student learning. I was assigned the role as a Grade Level Chair and a mentor teacher for undergraduate teacher candidates. But what comes next? For anyone who has been in a position for a period of time, there comes a point where we reach complacency. This can be a comfortable place to be for some people, but contradicts the idea that teachers are continuously learning just as children are.
In my Goals Essay, I discuss how my ambitions have changed while being in the Master of Arts in Education program and the overarching theme was lifelong learning. This essay will refer to those objectives and highlight the actions and resources that are needed to attain them. My future goals include evaluating effective technology in the classroom, seek meaningful leadership opportunities, and connecting and prioritizing students and their communities. I aspire to achieve these goals as I reflect on my current practices and become more knowledgeable in new pedagogical ideas.
In my Goals Essay, I discuss how my ambitions have changed while being in the Master of Arts in Education program and the overarching theme was lifelong learning. This essay will refer to those objectives and highlight the actions and resources that are needed to attain them. My future goals include evaluating effective technology in the classroom, seek meaningful leadership opportunities, and connecting and prioritizing students and their communities. I aspire to achieve these goals as I reflect on my current practices and become more knowledgeable in new pedagogical ideas.
Evaluate Effective Technology
My goal to utilize effective technology stems from the idea that students need to construct deep and connected knowledge in a world of rapid digital advancements. Teachers have some responsibility in shaping how students view technology and it begins with how we present it ourselves. Tools and resources are constantly changing, which can be frustrating and overwhelming when deciding on what and how to use each platform. This article from International Society for Technology in Education explains the need to integrate technology in the classroom to produce successful student performance.
In a 21st century classroom, it is crucial to teach students about digital responsibilities to create appropriate boundaries and expectations. It is one thing to incorporate the newest technology devices or most appealing applications in the classroom, but it is another to learn about its purpose and amount of engagement each platform offers. Using resources such as Developing Ethical Direction will be an adequate starting point in learning about digital citizenship and recognizing and the strengths and implications of any digital tool.
In a 21st century classroom, it is crucial to teach students about digital responsibilities to create appropriate boundaries and expectations. It is one thing to incorporate the newest technology devices or most appealing applications in the classroom, but it is another to learn about its purpose and amount of engagement each platform offers. Using resources such as Developing Ethical Direction will be an adequate starting point in learning about digital citizenship and recognizing and the strengths and implications of any digital tool.
Seek Meaningful Leadership Opportunities
A new teacher is often referred to as a “fresh spring chicken” who is chock full of innovation and enthusiasm. While I did possess these attributes, a role I did not highly desire was teacher leadership. After initiating a Summer Bridge program for incoming kindergarteners and becoming the Grade Level Chair for my kindergarten team, I discovered the value of professional learning. In these positions, I was able to reflect on the needs of our students and collaborate with colleagues to create a culminating goal. In this Pathways to Leadership article, the qualities of learning leaders that are mentioned are some that I strive to acquire through future opportunities.
In many ways, becoming a mentor teacher affected my professionalism and ability to communicate in a positive way. Ten Roles for Teacher Leaders identifies some of the many ways teachers maximize their impact on students by sharing professional knowledge. By sharing my experiences and providing insight to my student teacher, I was also providing opportunities for them to develop their own teaching style. I hope to one day be able to mentor more teacher candidates to guide them in expanding their professional identity.
In many ways, becoming a mentor teacher affected my professionalism and ability to communicate in a positive way. Ten Roles for Teacher Leaders identifies some of the many ways teachers maximize their impact on students by sharing professional knowledge. By sharing my experiences and providing insight to my student teacher, I was also providing opportunities for them to develop their own teaching style. I hope to one day be able to mentor more teacher candidates to guide them in expanding their professional identity.
Connect and Prioritize Students and Their Communities
As the number of English Language Learners in schools are increasing, cultural discrepancies are more common between families and teachers. As an educator, I plan to take accountability in bridging the gap between communities and schools to promote personal connections for students. This includes ideas by Getting Smart and Edutopia such as appreciating their culture and identity, encouraging students to talk about their experiences, and learning from people within the school community. Addressing these issues will benefit all students, especially English Language Leaners who are often forced to separate their prior knowledge and new knowledge rather than weaving them together.
My long-term goals are challenging to say the least and will not happen instantaneously. Each objective will take time and intentional effort to have a lasting impact on my students and in the community. However, I will continue acquiring skills to excel in my professional practices using the resources embedded in this essay and apply them in my journey on the road to tomorrow.