Reflecting on my Goals as an Educator
by: Brian Perry
In the summer of 2007, I made the decision to transfer from Central Michigan University to Michigan State University, to pursue my masters in education. At the time I applied to Michigan State University, I wrote a goal statement regarding what I wanted to accomplish as an educator, and also what I wanted to accomplish in the masters program.
The goal stated in the application was to be able to take what was learned in the MAED program and to be able to incorporate new advances in technology into the classroom, to further engage my students, and make lessons that students would want to learn. I also chose this particular program (concentration in leadership and technology) to hopefully acquire a leadership role as a technology coordinator. Another goal I had when starting the program was to be able to maintain a high grade point average, even though I was working full time, and pretty much starting my family. I will say I was able to obtain the high grade point average, but it was much tougher to juggle my career and family with the time spent online completing classes. If you ask my spouse, and my son if he could talk, sometimes they took a backseat to my classes. I will say though that the program has really motivated me to manage my time in a better manner.
My five years as an educator has given me experiences that have not only influenced my teaching practices, but have also changed my original goals in the masters program. Originally, I wanted to spend my years as a social studies teacher, and maybe possibly as a vice principal. The program has shown me different avenues I could take in the education technology realm. My goals are now focused on higher education, possibly in the area of instructional design or online learning. In this type of position, I feel I would have more influence over the material being taught and how it is being delivered. These positions would also allow me to teach instead of spending a majority of the time dealing with classroom management. I believe with the courses provided at Michigan State University, my future goals are definitely achievable.
The goal stated in the application was to be able to take what was learned in the MAED program and to be able to incorporate new advances in technology into the classroom, to further engage my students, and make lessons that students would want to learn. I also chose this particular program (concentration in leadership and technology) to hopefully acquire a leadership role as a technology coordinator. Another goal I had when starting the program was to be able to maintain a high grade point average, even though I was working full time, and pretty much starting my family. I will say I was able to obtain the high grade point average, but it was much tougher to juggle my career and family with the time spent online completing classes. If you ask my spouse, and my son if he could talk, sometimes they took a backseat to my classes. I will say though that the program has really motivated me to manage my time in a better manner.
My five years as an educator has given me experiences that have not only influenced my teaching practices, but have also changed my original goals in the masters program. Originally, I wanted to spend my years as a social studies teacher, and maybe possibly as a vice principal. The program has shown me different avenues I could take in the education technology realm. My goals are now focused on higher education, possibly in the area of instructional design or online learning. In this type of position, I feel I would have more influence over the material being taught and how it is being delivered. These positions would also allow me to teach instead of spending a majority of the time dealing with classroom management. I believe with the courses provided at Michigan State University, my future goals are definitely achievable.
