The Continuing Efforts of a lifelong learner- Looking Ahead...
A large part of being an educator is multitasking on a daily basis. One minute you are writing an assessment, the next teaching a class, or grading essays, or teaching another subject. This is our work in the short term. In the long term we must assess what we have done and decide how we will respond moving forward. Reflection and planning are the big picture aspects we must consider in our practice. The MAET program has been an excellent opportunity for me to consider the work I have done and the work I still need to do in every class I have participated in. For this portfolio, I have been asked to assess my previous goals and create new plans for the future. The content of this essay will focus on my plans for after the MAET program.
Looking back to look forwardThe first thing necessary to consider what needs to be accomplished next is to assess what I thought still needed to be accomplished as of last summer. In the East Lansing Year 2 Summer Cohort one of the major assignments asked us to consider our plan after the MAET program was complete. At the time this was a very difficult task because I could not see beyond finishing my Masters degree. However, now this exercise has served me well in preparation of thinking about what comes after the capstone portfolio is complete. In this reflection essay written last summer, I was asked to consider where I would be in five years. In late July of 2013 I stated that I would like to be in a leadership role in academics and athletics. This involved joining more organizations in the fields of social studies, educational technology, and the state of Michigan’s athletic organization (MHSAA). To view my reflection essay from the Year 2 Summer Cohort, click the button below. |
Static and Shifting goalsAfter viewing that essay for the first time in over a year it is clear that a lot of my goals have remained the same. Though I have not had as much time to consider my role as a leader in academics and athletics, the opportunities continue to present themselves. In my first year as a dean of a class, I realized that there needs to be a balance in academic and disciplinary discussions for students to receive the most from their education. As I become more involved in student commission, I realize the gaps that exist in finding the adequate amount of time in the school calendar to focus on student activities. Unlike many high schools, our student commission does not meet on a daily basis. Also, depending on special events they might not meet once a week. In addition to my goal of joining more organizations to help in the development of my skills as a social studies teacher, I need to look to my role as a student activities planner as well. Finally, I continued to receive more responsibility as a coach this year. Not only did I work with the goaltenders as I usually do, but I organized lines for the defensemen and even had to serve as head coach for a game. The state of Michigan has an excellent coaches association that could continue to provide me with support and opportunities to learn as my responsibilities grow as well.
Please click on the live links to visit organizations that have been beneficial in helping me consider my ever changing role as an instructor. |
What is my Future role?
The first four years of my experience as an educator have been filled with opportunities to observe and model wonderful teachers. In addition, those teachers have been gracious enough to allow me opportunities to be a leader as well. At Cass Technical High School, the school had never had a student council outside of the senior class. However, because the administration was open to the idea, and trusted the student interns, I was given the opportunity along with my colleagues to create something. Also, I had limited experience as a coach of any sorts coming out of college, but a few people understood my passion for athletic competition and have allowed me to grow as a head coach at the middle school level and a state champion assistant coach at the varsity level. Due to these opportunities I know that I want to continue to seek out leadership roles in academics and athletics. Through actively becoming a member in the organizations I linked to above I believe that is a real opportunity for me. However, I must also assess what my role is in the current school I am and try to find the best opportunity to use my skills to create an overall excellent educational experience for my students.