Ms. Williams or...

When I first enrolled at Michigan State University in 2013, my goal was to graduate in four years with a major that aligned with my undecided pre-med status. By 2014, I had set my sights on becoming a teacher, and by 2021, I became a certified educator. Throughout my teaching career, several seasoned teachers highlighted my ability to integrate technology into my instruction, recognizing the growing importance of digital tools in education. While I appreciated the compliments, I knew I wanted more financial stability, which led me to special education in 2022. By 2024, I realized that a shift to educational technology aligned more closely with my long-term career aspirations. My identity as an educator is evolving. I am still passionate about teaching, but the context in which I teach has changed, and enrolling in the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program has reshaped my goals.

Prior to entering the MAET program, my goals were centered around leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences, making education more accessible, engaging, and innovative. I wanted to develop expertise in instructional design, digital learning tools, and emerging educational technologies to create impactful learning environments. Since joining the program, I have made significant progress toward these goals and have gained a deeper understanding of how technology can transform education.

One of the most notable ways my goals have evolved is through the hands-on experiences provided in my coursework. I have been able to refine my instructional design skills, experiment with digital learning tools, and collaborate with peers who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. These experiences have reinforced my desire to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all learners, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality educational resources.

Another major shift in my goals has been in my career trajectory. Before the program, I was unsure whether I wanted to continue teaching in a school setting. While I still grapple with this decision, the MAET program has given me clarity on how my skills can be applied beyond the classroom. The career opportunities emphasized in the program align with the work I have already been practicing—the only difference is the setting. I have enjoyed the past four years in the classroom, but I now recognize that teaching children is only one of the many skills I possess. The program has encouraged me to challenge myself by stepping outside my comfort zone and exploring new career paths in instructional design, corporate training, and other technology-driven roles.

As I continue my journey in the MAET program, I am actively applying what I have learned to my work. I have expanded my website, which serves as a portfolio of my projects and a resource hub for educators seeking guidance on integrating technology into their instruction. Additionally, I have sought out opportunities to lead professional development sessions, helping other educators harness the power of technology in their teaching practices. These experiences have solidified my confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the field of educational technology.

Leaving the classroom is not an easy decision. The relationships I have built with students make it difficult to accept this transition, especially as I actively search for an educational technology position outside of the traditional school environment. However, I believe that the work I do beyond the classroom will inevitably circle back, allowing me to continue supporting students in new and impactful ways.

Despite these challenges, I am eager to continue immersing myself in coursework that explores the intersection of pedagogy and technology. My time in the MAET program has not only allowed me to catch up on the knowledge I may have missed but has also pushed me to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology. My goals are no longer just aspirations; they are actively taking shape as I apply what I have learned and redefine my role as an educator in the digital age.