As part of a cumulative experience nearing the end of my MAED program, I was asked to write how my goals have changed. Here it is:
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When I entered the Master of Arts in Education program at Michigan State University, I knew that I would concentrate in School Leadership. Prior to entering this program, I had had no education courses in my previous studies and I felt that it was important at this time because I had a few years of experience as a school administrator and I wanted to find ways to push my thinking so that I could better support my faculty. I had spent considerable amount of time researching different programs and I thought that Michigan State University would be a program that would allow me the flexibility to study aspects of education that would really make me think about best practices and how I could possibly make a difference. Without an emphasis on standards that one would find in public schools, I always somewhat felt that I was "flying by the seat of my pants" when it came to really understanding what we do in schools. My goal when entering this program was to have a firmer understanding of education past and present so that I could support teachers, veteran and new, who, like me, didn't come from teacher training programs.
My goals have not changed considerably from when I entered into the program to now as I am nearing the end of the program. I believe that the program has pushed me to contemplate education and best practices so that I can be a good “teacher’s administrator.” That is what is important to me. I will continue to teach while in administration so that I will never lose the art of teaching. Teaching is a very difficult job and I want to be able to support my teachers in their growth and in order to do so, I also need to grow. The Master's of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University has given me a wealth of resources from which I can pull to continue to keep abreast of educational trends and to keep myself informed of newer research. I want to find useful ways to support the veterans who have been at this profession for over 20 years as well as the young teachers trying to fill their toolboxes. The MAED program has given me a base of knowledge to form my own vision of schools and education and know that I will continue to question and push myself to find ways to support teachers to develop so as to create school environments that is conducive to learning at all levels.
In terms of a future career path, I know now that I'd eventually like to pursue a "headship" (the equivalent of principalship but in an independent school). From the coursework that I have taken and my career experience, I can see myself on that path. It may not be for another ten years, or until my children are older, but I believe that I have a wider vision of schools today than when I entered the program.