Looking Back While Always Moving Forward
A Reflection of my Educational Goals
When I first began my work at Michigan State University it was my goal to become the best science teacher ever. While I am not sure I used those exact words in my application, I remember thinking that getting a Master's degree would give me the skills I needed to be the best. I was incredibly excited to grow as an educator, and add a variety of teaching tools to my arsenal that would allow me to better serve the needs of my students (in chemistry and physics). From the start I also planned on completing a second degree in k-12 administration either concurrently or directly after my first master's degree. I felt that by completing both, I would be a better educator, grow as a leader, and eventually become a high school principal. The move to leadership would allow me to both be in control, and assist me financially.
After a year and a half of thinking, working on my degree, and growing as an individual, I would argue that my goals have not changed drastically, but have shifted. I no longer plan on pursuing a second Master's degree from Michigan State following this one. While I loved all of the leadership courses that I selected as electives during this program, I ultimately realized that I want to be a teacher leader, not an actual principal. The skills I have gained through much of my coursework will allow me to take on leadership roles at my job without actually leaving the classroom. Instead of becoming an administrator, my goal is to one day become the science department head. Secondly, I don't wish to be "the best science teacher ever" anymore, rather I want to grow as an educator every year. Each time I teach a topic another time, I feel that I become more confident in my abilities, teach with more skill, and change my methods to reflect my better understanding of what good teaching is. Despite a focus on science and math education, I felt that my work during my Master's degree has not gotten me far enough. Therefore, it is my goal to continue forward and earn a doctorate in science education in order to continue my personal and professional development.
It is through the classes I have taken, and the work I have done in earning my Master's in Secondary Education, that my personal and professional goals have been able to evolve over the past year and a half. What, at times, was difficult, time consuming, or frustrating has given me strength and resolve in my educational journey. When I graduate I know that I will have goals that better suit my needs and desires, and the skills needed to reach them thanks in part to my time with Michigan State University.
After a year and a half of thinking, working on my degree, and growing as an individual, I would argue that my goals have not changed drastically, but have shifted. I no longer plan on pursuing a second Master's degree from Michigan State following this one. While I loved all of the leadership courses that I selected as electives during this program, I ultimately realized that I want to be a teacher leader, not an actual principal. The skills I have gained through much of my coursework will allow me to take on leadership roles at my job without actually leaving the classroom. Instead of becoming an administrator, my goal is to one day become the science department head. Secondly, I don't wish to be "the best science teacher ever" anymore, rather I want to grow as an educator every year. Each time I teach a topic another time, I feel that I become more confident in my abilities, teach with more skill, and change my methods to reflect my better understanding of what good teaching is. Despite a focus on science and math education, I felt that my work during my Master's degree has not gotten me far enough. Therefore, it is my goal to continue forward and earn a doctorate in science education in order to continue my personal and professional development.
It is through the classes I have taken, and the work I have done in earning my Master's in Secondary Education, that my personal and professional goals have been able to evolve over the past year and a half. What, at times, was difficult, time consuming, or frustrating has given me strength and resolve in my educational journey. When I graduate I know that I will have goals that better suit my needs and desires, and the skills needed to reach them thanks in part to my time with Michigan State University.