Goal Reflection
Goal Reflection
When I entered Michigan State University’s Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program, I did so with confidence, inspiration, and with a vision to become a more successful educator. Having done my undergraduate studies at Michigan State, I felt well prepared to enter the teaching profession and confident that the MAED program would provide me with the same quality of learning in my graduate studies. Once I began teaching, I felt compelled to become more dedicated and reflective in my profession to further serve my students. Therefore, at the end of my first year teaching, I started the MAED program.
At the beginning of the program, my goals were centered around becoming more knowledgeable of my profession by exploring new teaching methods, integrating technology effectively, and collaborating with like-minded individuals. These goals remained my focus as I continued my coursework. In my studies, I also learned to recognize the importance of being reflective in my work. As I near the end of the MAED program, I am confident that I achieved these goals and have become a more passionate educator who will work to provide the best learning environment for my students.
My first goal for the program was to explore new teaching methods and strategies. Despite feeling confident about starting teaching after finishing my undergraduate degree, I realized during my first year teaching that I had much to learn that would come from more experience on my own in the classroom. I started the MAED program to ensure that I would continue to develop my practice. Through coursework and reflection, I have a deeper understanding of the importance of creating learning experiences that are responsive to student needs. Throughout the program, I have worked to create a classroom environment that is structured, engaging, and provides differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students.
The first course I took in the MAED program was TE 831 Teaching School Subject Matter with Technology. This course was one that helped me work toward my initial goal of integrating more technology resources into the classroom. Through this course, I was able to explore different frameworks, issues, and modes of integrating technology into my classroom. I appreciate taking this course at the start of this program because of how prominent technology is in today’s digital world. I applied what I learned from TE 831 in other courses and in my classroom, utilizing technology tools and implementing them into course projects to enhance learning and make it more accessible for students.
With a program entirely online, I was unsure how much collaboration and interaction I would have with other students in the program. One of my aspirations starting the program was to learn from like-minded educators. Throughout the program, each of my courses required group discussions, projects, or meetings. This provided me with the opportunity to learn from my peers. I realized the importance of meaningful discussion and reflection within a professional learning community. These experiences have helped me become more confident communicating with professional colleagues in the program and in my workplace. This is something that has extended into my classroom as well. I work to create a welcoming environment where students are comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas and feel that they are included and valued.
Many things have changed for me, personally and professionally, since starting this program. Over the past four years, I got married, bought a house, got two dogs, in addition to countless other triumphs and trials. I have taught nearly a hundred students, developing relationships with them and helping them learn new things every day. I have learned to navigate my adult life and have gained much confidence in my profession. Throughout all of this learning and growth, has been the MAED program. This program has been with me throughout these important life experiences, providing me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and exceed my initial goals. As I near the end of this program, I feel confident in my abilities as an educator and inspired to be intentional and reflective in my profession as I continue to learn and grow as a teacher.