Upon entering the Master of Arts in Education program in 2017, I had two main goals – first, to become a leader in my school and eventually, to earn a doctorate and become a college education professor. My short-term goal was to take on more leadership roles in my school because I had spent too much time being the “new teacher” and wanted have more of an impact on my campus. My long-term goal was to become an education professor so I could pass on my knowledge and experience to future educators.

 

As I reflect upon these goals more than three years later, I am still working                                                                toward becoming a leader in my school. My progress was slowed a bit when                                                              I moved in 2018 because I was working at a new school, in a new state, with                                                                a new demographic of families. I took time to soak up the school and                                                                            community culture, learning as much as I could before I felt ready to take                                                                  on leadership roles in my new environment. Now, I serve on the principal’s                                                                advisory team, my school’s hiring committee for new staff, and am a new                                                                    teacher mentor.

 

Although I am proud that I have been actively working toward that goal, I’ve realized that being a leader in my school is not enough. Leadership may start in a school, but it can certainly go far beyond that. I want to be a leader in my district, in my state, in the world. My school district holds a conference each year where teachers can apply to lead professional development sessions, and my goal is to be a presenter at next year’s conference. Beyond my district, I want to use social media as a platform to connect with educators across the world. More specifically, my goal is to develop a presence on Instagram where I can share resources and ideas with other educators.

 

                                                My long-term goal of earning a doctorate to become a college education professor                                                    has not changed. As I continue to learn and grow, this ultimate goal remains in the                                                    back of my mind. Not only is it important to me to further my education, it is                                                              important that I work with pre-service teachers to help prepare them for the road                                                      ahead – a road that I am currently navigating myself. This goal is one that I intend                                                     to pursue later in my career because I want to continue to make a difference in the                                                    middle school mathematics classroom and gain valuable experience first.

 

                                                Reflecting upon and revising my goals is an important part of wrapping up the          Master of Arts in Education program and preparing for my next chapter. I am more motivated than ever to continue learning, growing, and making a lasting impact in the field of education.