The Rewarding Journey of a Lifelong Learner

          I believe that one of the most important characteristics of a successful teacher is someone who truly values education and strives to be a lifetime learner. I have always been one to set very high standards for myself. I believe that if I expect my students to be the best student and person they can be, I must first model that behavior on a daily basis. Success comes from taking risks and making things happen, making mistakes, and learning from them through reflecting. Knowledge is the ultimate power. This power stemming from education and a desire to learn. My desire to learn will only continue to grow throughout my career. Although my studies as a Masters of Education student is coming to an end, this is only the beginning of my future as a learner. In my life I have always saught to be the best version of myself by continuing to grow in all aspects. Amongst other things, growth happens through learning. I plan to continue learning to help myself grow as an educator, to help my students grow as learners, and to help other teachers grow in their career. The first area of focus for my learning in the future is leadership in education. This is my fourth year of teaching. I have learned and continue to learn from my administrators, mentor teachers, and other colleagues. At this point, I would like to use my strengths to lead others the way others have lead me. The second area of focus is integrating technology into math education as my district is 1 to 1 with technology and it should be used to its unlimited potential. Lastly I would like to continue to learn about the mathematics core standards, Connected Math Project (CMP3) curriculum,  and effective math teaching practices and use this to coach other math teachers.

          Those with a passion for education consistently search for knowledge of both teaching and learning. Reflection and learning is neverending. Inquiry is the way people search for this knowledge. As I mentioned above, I have learned and continue to learn from my administrators, mentor teachers, and other colleagues. At this point, I would like to use my strengths to lead others the way others have lead me. Through cooperative learning I have worked to create leaders within my classroom community. I believe that students also look to their teachers for leadership qualities. If students observe behavior displaying leadership they will in turn learn what it takes to be a leader. Aside from this, I feel that I have strengths that can be shared to benefit others. I have seen many teachers invest a great amount of time into my school and the community that surrounds it. I would like to take the time to learn more about what it takes to be that leader within my school, district, and community. In order to to this, I have already started reading Stephen Covey’s book “The 7 habits of highly effective people.” 

          Integrating technology into mathematics learning is a huge focus for my future as a learner. My district is 1 to 1 with technology. All students K-5 receive an iPad that they use at school, at home, and throughout the summer months. After 5th grade, students turn in their iPads to receive a Chromebook. The chromebooks are used in middle school and high school and are returned prior to graduation. With this technology bond, students are to receive an updated version of the technology every third year of use. I have incorporated technology into some math lessons, however I do not feel that I have pushed myself and my students out of our comfort zones to get the most out of the amazing technology we are fortunate to have at our fingertips. Inquiry leads to understanding. One’s process of inquiry can lead to a much deeper understanding leaving an outstanding connection. In one of my courses as a graduate student I learned about the TPACK model on integrating technology into the classroom. I plan on continuing to inquire about this model in order to learn about and implement technology into planning, practicing, and assessing math knowledge.

         Although I have always wanted to continue my studies in education through a master’s program, the main reason I returned back for graduate study was to provide myself additional job opportunities beyond teaching in the classroom. I have a very strong passion for learning and teaching mathematics at the middle school level. Through my study as a master’s student I have researched areas such as motivating students/teachers to learn, understanding how learners learn, and engaging and reaching all learners at all levels. With this, I would like to use my experience and education to coach other math teachers within my district or even within my county. I have witnessed teachers fearing teaching mathematics because of their struggle with it in the past as well as the evolution of state standards. I believe my passion and experience could be used to guide and support these teachers to allow for effective teaching and learning. This would provide me an opportunity to submerge into math curriculums, such as the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP3). I am also very interested in teaching beyond secondary education and into college education. I have a vision for transforming entry level mathematics classes at the college level into more collaborative and engaging courses.

My desire to learn will only continue to grow throughout my career. I am looking forward to continuing my journey as an educator and lifelong learner.