Elementary Teacher
Goals for the Future
This is an essay of my goals for the future and how I will continue learning after completing my master's program.
What's Next?​
​I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences from the MAED program, with a concentration in technology, which has equipped me to apply these skills in my teaching career. Now that I am nearing the end of my program, I find myself asking: what’s next? Learning never ends, and there is always room for improvement, as I often remind my students. One central theme that stood out to me throughout the program is the idea of play in learning. Yes, my goal as a teacher is to help students learn and gain knowledge, but what’s the harm in having fun while learning and teaching? As an educator, I aim to delve deeper into this theme to share this knowledge and give the same enriching experience to my students. To achieve this, my new goals are to: facilitate students’ exploration of technologies, incorporate project-based learning activities, and remain open to ongoing learning opportunities.
Goal #1: Encourage Students to Explore and Utilize Technologies
My first goal is to implement the technologies and tools I learned in the program to help my students explore and share their ideas innovatively. Throughout the program, I encountered various tools beneficial for teaching through exploration and practice. Now, I want to introduce these tools to my students so they can explore and learn as I have. My students can creatively present their ideas and information by learning tools such as Canva, Google Slides, or even non-digital mediums like posters. We will practice using each learning tool for about a week or two before they get to choose one tool to showcase what they have learned and present their work. I will provide them with how-to videos using YouTube so they can learn important features within each learning tool, then practice together as a whole group, before they practice creating their own. This will allow them to use their imagination and be innovative in how they present their work. You'll be surprised at what your students can achieve!
Goal #2: Incorporate Project-Based Learning (PBL) Activities
​Traditionally, students are taught using textbooks. However, teachers are responsible not only for possessing content knowledge but also for employing thoughtful pedagogy to help students process information effectively. My goal is to help my students persevere through challenges. Through experience and my master’s program, I’ve learned that project-based learning leads to a deeper understanding and greater retention of content knowledge. Students can better apply what they’ve learned to new situations. It also encourages the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, which are crucial to learning. Many great ideas for PBL activities can be found in Edutopia. I would like to work on incorporating more project-based learning activities by doing more research and looking through my school curriculum and see the parts that can be adjusted to fit the needs of my students. I will also collaborate with my teammates to share what I have learned and deepen our understanding to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for our students.
Goal #3: Stay Engaged and Open to Learning Opportunities​
​My third goal is to remain engaged and open to learning opportunities. To be an effective educator, I believe it is essential to continually seek out new knowledge and strategies to enhance my teaching practice. This involves staying current with educational research, trends, and technological advancements. One way I plan to achieve this is by participating in professional development workshops and conferences. Some of the conferences include the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Convention & Expo, which focuses on integrating technology in education, and the Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA) conference, which provides sessions on instructional strategies in language arts. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn from experts in the field, network with other educators, and bring fresh ideas back to my classroom. Another aspect of this goal is to collaborate with colleagues. By sharing experiences and best practices with fellow teachers, I can gain new perspectives and insights that can improve my teaching methods. Reflection is a crucial part of my professional growth. After each lesson, I will take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. By keeping a teaching journal, I can document my observations, thoughts, and ideas for future lessons. This reflective practice will enable me to make data-driven decisions and continuously refine my teaching strategies.
My journey through the MAED program with a concentration in technology has profoundly shaped my approach to teaching and learning. Looking to the future, these three primary goals will help me enhance my effectiveness as an educator and enrich my students' learning experiences. By implementing these strategies, I am dedicated to helping my students achieve their full potential while continuing to grow as an educator.
