Looking back,
looking ahead...
by Dina Matasovsky
The journey I began two years ago is winding down and I am often asked what I plan to do now. While I suppose this achievement comes with the expectation of something new, I also wonder, do I really need to change my goals because I am handed a piece of paper? As I reflect back on what has probably been the largest challenge of my professional career, I am pleased to see my goals have not changed, I have kept my focus, but my way of thinking and approaching these has changed.
When I applied to the Educational Technology program, my goal was to earn my Educational Technology Endorsement certificate so that I could be more effective in leading training sessions for my staff and work towards serving our district. Effective leadership and training is still my goal, yet now I am just over a month away from graduating with my Master’s degree in this program and will be a presenter at the Michigan District teacher’s conference. I have taken my goal to the next level, driven by the knowledge and excitement that I have acquired in my courses. I can actually say that it is time to look to the next phase and write more goals!
I had also set the goal of learning about adaptive strategies using the iPad in my classroom with my students. I have always had an interest in incorporating technology with my readers, but my understanding and appreciation grew as I learned more about literacy challenges and how technology tools can be incorporated to assist these students. I want to improve my students learning experiences through the best way possible. What may have started out as a required class to maintain my teacher certification, sparked a desire to learn more and led me to take an additional class dealing with technology and literacy challenges for students who have mild disabilities. I have taken my original goal and added greater knowledge and resources to it. I am definitely a better teacher because of the education I have received.
So what do I plan to do now? I plan to continue doing exactly what I was doing before, but better! My goal is to be an advocate for students who struggle to learn by traditional means and bring to light tools which could assist them in their learning. My goal is to teach teachers that they do not need to be afraid of technology, but to make myself available to work collaboratively with them as we find ways that will support them in their training. I am better educated and mission minded as a result of my education. I realize that if I am going to be a truly successful leader and teacher I must make sure that I keep the needs of my students and teacher’s front and center in my mind as I seek to bring technology into the classroom to improve the learning experiences for them. This is my mission, this is my goal.
photo courtesy of http://www.curiositiesbydickens.com/