Spearman
Jessica
Always Changing, Always Growing
Ever since I entered the teaching program as an undergrad at Michigan State I told myself that when you become a teacher you must always remind yourself to remain elastic, you must always be willing and eager to change and grow. We cannot become the best version of ourselves without constantly reflecting, changing, and ultimately defying the restrictions that aim to bind us. Upon entering the MAED program at Michigan State, I kept this mantra and made a promise to myself that this would be another challenge to accept, another goal to reach.
I initially set out to be “up-to-date”, and seek new ways to teach my curriculum in my classroom, but instead I found a new way to approach the curriculum from a pedagogical standpoint. I thought entering the program meant using technology in new and innovative ways to capture the attention of my students and enhance their learning. Instead, I came to realize that new technology is important, but identifying and meeting the needs of my students was more important and long lasting. As technology changes it's important to stay abreast and current, but it is also important to provide my students with strong literacy skills that extend beyond my classroom.
Additionally, I set out to teach beyond standard academia and l looked at school as tool of change. I have always known the possibilities that education can provide, but I had not considered the enormous limitations that come with not being provided a fair and equal education. In particular, my classes over the course of the MAED program helped me to recognize the reach we as educators have on our students and the community. This means using curriculum and our position as educators to reach our students through culturally responsive education that enriches their lives and our own.
Moreover, I wanted to become a better student. Being a student at this point in my life has become part of who I am as a person and an educator. Part of being elastic and constantly improving, is becoming a better student and learner. This means changing and evaluating the way that I learn, and, as a direct reflection, the way I teach the learners in my classroom. Electing to do a program entirely online has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and made me recognize who I am as a learner in a community and as an individual. I have become more willing to be dependent on others to get the job done, as experienced through the group work in the online program. I have also learned that the best leaders are the best learners (Kouzens & Posner).
With these things in mind, I choose to focus on the Postsecondary Leadership concentration to help provide me with the necessary tools to be a leader in my school and community. The program has shown me how important it is to always act like the leader I would want others to see me as. This means allowing others to see my willingness to change and adapt in hopes that my school community also recognizes that being an educator means constantly changing, evaluating, and becoming better.
The MAED program at Michigan State has helped me to further become the best version of myself both personally and professionally through its challenges and the lessons I have learned. With this, I will continue to always change, always grow, and always remain elastic.