Planning for the Future; Embracing the Moment
When reflecting on where I have
been, how far I have come, and where I want to continue, several concrete
stepping stones present themselves, that I believe will help me continue my professional goals. I
prefer the approach of having a balance between missional and instrumental
thinking. I do believe in a vision and overarching strategy for achieving
goals, however I believe there are key tools used within these strategies that will help propel myself forward. My goals include developing every aspect of my
career. I want to enhance my own learning, my networking, and my practice. This
“trifecta” will allow me to reach new heights, and allow me to experience new
territories within the teaching profession.
When choosing topics, the ideas naturally fit together to help solidify my future goals. Ultimately, I want to be in a leadership role within the educational world. I am not limiting myself to a role as a principal, but rather, I would like to find my place where I am most needed and where I can cause positive change. To reach this ultimate goal, I want to make sure I am prepared in all realms. Therefore, I have chosen three topics to focus on. These three topics work in tandem to support one another and myself through this professional and personal growth:
When choosing topics, the ideas naturally fit together to help solidify my future goals. Ultimately, I want to be in a leadership role within the educational world. I am not limiting myself to a role as a principal, but rather, I would like to find my place where I am most needed and where I can cause positive change. To reach this ultimate goal, I want to make sure I am prepared in all realms. Therefore, I have chosen three topics to focus on. These three topics work in tandem to support one another and myself through this professional and personal growth:
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1. Attain a leadership degree
Although I do not know what my 5-year professional plan will ultimately land me, I want to be able to provide myself the opportunity to equip myself with leadership skills. Therefore, I have decided to continue my education towards a leadership degree. Whether I find myself in a leadership position following the completion of this degree, or continue in my current position, this goal will allow me to broaden my skill set and strengthen myself professionally. To do this, I have researched several local universities. When conducting this research, I had priorities in mind. First, I wanted to be able to attend class because I feel as though I get more out of an experience when I am able to belong to a cohort and meeting face-to-face with colleagues in a learning setting. Also, I need to be in a program that has the same ideologies I believe a leader should posses. Lastly, I was looking for a program that fit in with my current career and allowed me to continue to learn and be mentored by my current principal whom possesses the values of leadership I admire. After several months of research and countless conversations with colleagues, I am confident with my decision on choosing St. Xavier University’s Educational Administration Program. This program fulfills all the priorities mentioned above and will be an excellent fit as I continue my education towards a leadership degree. Along the way I have also acquired several other resources that help helped shape my leadership values. These resources of literature and videos can be found in my Blendspace board below.
2. Continue to develop professional networking
I have come to find the importance in networking. I have enjoyed the opportunities to be a part of professional groups where I get to collaborate and learn from my peers. I will continue to investigate ways to stay involve, join new groups, and add to the conversation of education. I am a part of several groups within my network that will allow me to connect with people of leadership. Conversations and advice from such individuals will provide new avenues for learning and continuing my career, practice, and experiences overall. To connect with these individuals, I will continue to participate in network level professional developments, however I will also contact leadership directly for informational interviews, advice and other networking possibilities. Within my network, I have established a good rapport with several individuals who can help me fulfill this goal of mine.
3. Strengthen STEM initiatives within my classroom
My STEM fellowship has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities through the integration of STEM initiatives within in my classroom. In years to come, I will have my past learning during my Technology Master’s program in the back of my mind as I continue to incorporate STEM into my students’ learning and my teaching. Although I will not have the support of a graduate class with deadlines and procedures, I have become well equip to plan and execute such initiatives within my classroom for years to come. To do this, I plan to set up several application field trips for my students. These experiences will help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world connections for my and my students. Also, I will continue to follow blogs and other resources that will help me create new lessons, try new practice, and reflect on my teaching growth.
Below I have provided a board that encompasses all the resources I intend to continue to utilize as I strive for my future goals. These resources represent a wide variety of genre from programs, to literature, video, and other community opportunities that are at my disposal to help support my efforts in achieving my overall professional and personal goals.
Although I do not know what my 5-year professional plan will ultimately land me, I want to be able to provide myself the opportunity to equip myself with leadership skills. Therefore, I have decided to continue my education towards a leadership degree. Whether I find myself in a leadership position following the completion of this degree, or continue in my current position, this goal will allow me to broaden my skill set and strengthen myself professionally. To do this, I have researched several local universities. When conducting this research, I had priorities in mind. First, I wanted to be able to attend class because I feel as though I get more out of an experience when I am able to belong to a cohort and meeting face-to-face with colleagues in a learning setting. Also, I need to be in a program that has the same ideologies I believe a leader should posses. Lastly, I was looking for a program that fit in with my current career and allowed me to continue to learn and be mentored by my current principal whom possesses the values of leadership I admire. After several months of research and countless conversations with colleagues, I am confident with my decision on choosing St. Xavier University’s Educational Administration Program. This program fulfills all the priorities mentioned above and will be an excellent fit as I continue my education towards a leadership degree. Along the way I have also acquired several other resources that help helped shape my leadership values. These resources of literature and videos can be found in my Blendspace board below.
2. Continue to develop professional networking
I have come to find the importance in networking. I have enjoyed the opportunities to be a part of professional groups where I get to collaborate and learn from my peers. I will continue to investigate ways to stay involve, join new groups, and add to the conversation of education. I am a part of several groups within my network that will allow me to connect with people of leadership. Conversations and advice from such individuals will provide new avenues for learning and continuing my career, practice, and experiences overall. To connect with these individuals, I will continue to participate in network level professional developments, however I will also contact leadership directly for informational interviews, advice and other networking possibilities. Within my network, I have established a good rapport with several individuals who can help me fulfill this goal of mine.
3. Strengthen STEM initiatives within my classroom
My STEM fellowship has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities through the integration of STEM initiatives within in my classroom. In years to come, I will have my past learning during my Technology Master’s program in the back of my mind as I continue to incorporate STEM into my students’ learning and my teaching. Although I will not have the support of a graduate class with deadlines and procedures, I have become well equip to plan and execute such initiatives within my classroom for years to come. To do this, I plan to set up several application field trips for my students. These experiences will help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world connections for my and my students. Also, I will continue to follow blogs and other resources that will help me create new lessons, try new practice, and reflect on my teaching growth.
Below I have provided a board that encompasses all the resources I intend to continue to utilize as I strive for my future goals. These resources represent a wide variety of genre from programs, to literature, video, and other community opportunities that are at my disposal to help support my efforts in achieving my overall professional and personal goals.