Nothing Is Really over until you stop trying
By: Kellie Baltrip
~You have brains in your head. Have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose~Dr. Seuss
I have always been a very reflective person, often thinking about who I am and what direction I want to be moving in. To keep myself focused, I always need to have a set of goals and a vision of where I need to be both personally and professionally. As I begin to finish up with the MAET program and start looking towards the future, I know that for me, I will never stop learning. Once I have accomplished the final steps of getting my Master’s degree, my future goal as an educator would be to become a “good” teacher. I believe that teachers have the ability to make a difference in the life of a child, and this is at the heart of what I love doing.
The MAET program has expanded my idea of what my classroom should and will look like. I believe that learning is an active and constructive process. For my students to learn new information or skills they have to work actively with them in purposeful ways. The program through MSU has introduced me to different tools that I can offer students, that will allow a more authentic learning experience based on real life practices. What I have loved about this program, is that I have been given the opportunity to learn both formally and informally. I have had the freedom to learn from and experiment with many different types and forms of technology. My eyes have been opened to the opportunities that are available and that are just a few clicks away. My time here has made me consider what is “good learning”? I have begun to look at learning with a much broader lens, that will allow my students to take a problem and use higher level thinking skills to come up with one or more solutions. I have realized the significance of good leadership skills which includes; listening, communicating and a genuine concern for those you work with.
I see my possible future learning going in several different ways. Of course, technology is going to be a big part of my future with my teaching and learning. Technology has redefined the way I look at my daily life. Those daily activities will change the way I demand learning within my classroom. The world that I live in today can find information within minutes. If I want to learn about something, I don’t have to wait for someone to teach me, I can pull out my smartphone and find the answer. I have been exposed to an array of different podcasts and lectures on a variety of subjects that can help guide my thinking and learning. Podcasts are audio stories designed to share ideas. I have used TED Talks as a way to connect with some of the worlds leading and fascinating thinkers. These help to inspire me and focus on the bigger teaching picture in the world around me. The possibilities can sometimes be overwhelming so it becomes very important to know the best ways to filter through the available information all while I am learning something new.
In addition, I see my future as a learner connecting to the world around me. While taking classes through MSU I have been able to connect and collaborate with others, which has helped to push my thinking and support my learning. Technology has helped me to be able to work with diverse groups of people on a variety of subjects. The MAET program exposed me to the experience of connecting to teachers and professionals from a variety of backgrounds. I truly believe that adding a global component to my teaching is not only possible, but necessary to prepare my students for a more increasingly connected world. My school has been going through the process of becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) school. This has opened many opportunities to connect with other students and teachers in our world. The major goal of an IB school is to create internationally minded people. This international mindset has become an important part of my classroom. We can grow by appreciating, recognizing the traditions and cultures of others.
Where do I go from here? I will continue to try and grow as a learner by attending conferences and workshops. Attending a conference offers opportunities for me to get a hands on experience with new content. Trade shows and workshops are a great way to make strong professional connections. We can connect, collaborate and share information quickly and easily. One local conference that I plan on attending is MACUL. The many things offered at this conference can help me to continue to connect technology with me and my classroom.
To conclude, my goal is to impart a passion for learning to my students. I want to create a positive and encouraging climate for both my students and with my fellow staff. I want my students to feel that I was someone who was genuinely concerned for them and their wellbeing.
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