I am currently a fourth grade
bilingual teacher at Shands Elementary School in Mesquite, Texas. I am in my
third semester of my graduate program. I am seeking my masters in Curriculum
and Instruction in Education. The reason I chose Curriculum and Instruction is
because it gives me options in the future to do something else within
education. I may not always want to be a classroom teacher and this gives me
the opportunity to continue working with children and in the field I love, but
in a different position. I chose to take this IDT coarse because I felt it
would help me learn how to incorporate technology in my classroom. And in the
future as a Curriculum Specialist I could help other teachers integrate
technology with their curriculum. When I graduate my plans are to continue in
education as a teacher and in the future transfer to a Curriculum Specialist
position with the district or at a campus.
Based on the WorkMatrix I most
desire to work in a first level service as a teacher, or delivering training.
Although I mentioned being a Curriculum Specialist for the district, in the
future my preference would be to become a Curriculum Specialist at a school. My
first year as a teacher I was overwhelmed, just as any other first year
teacher. My mentor, who was the Curriculum Specialist at my school, truly saved
me from stress and panic. She helped me with my lesson plans and guided me
through transferring what I had learned in college to actual practice in my
classroom. When I was deciding on a master degree I thought about her. I want
to do what she did for me for someone else.
I have learned a lot in my graduate
courses, but when I graduate in December 2014 I will not be applying for the
position right away. I think experience is key to knowledge. In order for me to
be qualified and knowledgeable as a Curriculum Specialist I must continue as a
classroom teacher and gain more experience. I must also continue to further my
education and learn how to integrate technology in the classroom and within the
curriculum and assure content is student centered and will guide all students
to success.
After I graduate I will continue to
attend staff developments geared toward Curriculum and Instruction. I do think
doing this now will be beneficial. For that reason I have signed up for a
technology conference and currently taking a three day course on how to
implement the Fundamental Five by Sean Cain into my daily lesson plans and
instruction. I also attended ABYDOS training this past summer. This is a three
week class intended to introduce you to a new theory behind Writing and the
power Writing has across the curriculum. Being a part of these additional
courses now is important because I am constantly learning how to implement new
and better ideas with the curriculum. This in return makes me a better teacher,
which one day will help me in becoming a Curriculum Specialist who is experienced.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about the experience that you had as a first year teacher and the mentor that helped you survive your first year. You know from experience the difference that an ID and curriculum support person can make on campus. I can appreciate how this mentor and experience influenced your decision to become that support person. Great story.
I am impressed by your patience in wanting to wait to gain experience before you apply for the position, but you might be surprised at the value of that which you already know. Either way, it sounds as if you definitely have the right attitude for success. Good luck in your future career!
Brenda, I think it is very noble in mentoring others who are inexperienced especially as teachers because they are usually scared and unsure of what works. That is what sharing your experience is all about like with the one who mentored you as a newbie. I like how you are interested in lifelong learning. Your drive to get your masters in curriculum and instruction will go along way in helping your students to succeed as you integrate technology into the curriculum. I am a graduate of Mesquite High school and I know that kids there need teachers like you who care about what they learn, and want to see them succeed in their education. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteDawn Burks
ReplyDeleteETEC 561
I love your blog page! I can’t believe this is your first time. You have a lot of talent for importing and working in supporting media to create more interest on your blog and solidify your point. Very nice, it looks fantastic.
Curriculum development sounds like a good way to grow in the education field. I like the story you told about the curriculum specialist that helped you to bring your ideas to focus and actual practice. That story reminds me, we never know each day how many people we inspire. It seems strange our everyday lives could change the course of someone else’s.
I am in the position of wanting more experience. From the different blogs I read, I believe most of us are in the same boat. We are taking graduate courses to expand our knowledge base and improve opportunities. Without spending some time using these skills and gaining experience it may be difficult to expand our careers. Not so much for those of you currently teaching, more for those of us trying to begin new endeavors from different fields.
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading about your experiences and goals. Best of luck.