Plans for Further Education

Even as I complete my Master of Instruction degree this May, I continue to take courses to extend my learning.  I am currently taking three video courses:  The High Performing Teacher, Teaching Students to Get Along, and Supporting the Struggling Reader.  I am working on these courses with two other colleagues, so I can continue to strive to meet the needs of all of my students.  This summer, I will take three more video courses. 

In the fall of 2005, I will begin my Ed. D in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Delaware.   I plan to accomplish the following objectives: 

• Expand knowledge base in the area of curriculum and instruction through the reading of research and theory, through discussion, and through classroom observation
  
• Expand knowledge base in the area of educational technology and determine ways to utilize technology effectively in the classroom and in schools
  
• Analyze problems and determine solutions based on the above mentioned knowledge base
  
• Become a school leader by presenting and sharing information learned in the Ed. D coursework
  
• Based on district and state curriculum and instruction, determine authentic forms of assessment
  

I want to use the knowledge I gain to improve my school and district, no matter where I am employed.  I do not want to remain stagnant in the profession.  I want to help other teachers strive to become dynamic educators and maintain current knowledge in the area of curriculum and instruction.  I want to be a model by striving for a doctorate while remaining a classroom teacher.  I want to use my objectives to better myself and my colleagues.  As I pursue my doctorate, I also want to study assessment.  Education is being challenged by standardized testing, and many teachers, administrators, and students do not want to fail to maintain adequate yearly progress.  I want to determine authentic assessments for our students and work to gain the validity of both standardized testing and other forms of assessment. 

In addition, I would like to specialize in Educational Technology.  My graduate coursework challenged me to improve the instruction in my classroom through the use of technology.  Through my graduate coursework, I have furthered my understanding, application, and implementation of technology to enhance student learning.  By specializing in Educational Technology in the Ed. D program, I want to expand my knowledge base even further.  Technology provides endless learning opportunities, but teachers are not always aware of the opportunities and resources available.  In addition, with the impact of standardized testing, many teachers have abandoned technology so they can teach to the test.  I want to be an advocate for Educational Technology by showing how it can continue to enhance learning even in this age of standardized testing.

Clipart from Discovery School.