There Is Still Room To Grow
I felt prepared to become a educator after completing my undergraduate program through Michigan State University. I had a full year of student teaching under my belt as well as four graduate courses that focused on being an educator. During my first year of teaching i had a positive experience but when I reflected on my school year, I realized there were many things that I would do differently. It might have been the way I taught a certain lesson or unit or how I handled a situation with a student, etc. I also had the opportunity to attend some professional development seminars that gave me knew knowledge and ideas about my teaching practices. Even though I felt confident going into my first year of teaching that I knew all there is to know, I came out of my first year understanding that there is plenty of opportunities out there to improve myself as a teacher.
One of the opportunities that caught my attention was the MSU MAED online Master's Program. I was eager to continue my education but I knew I was very busy with teaching, coaching, and life outside of my two greatest passions and I did not know how I could fit in time to take my graduate classes. After researching different universities graduate programs, I decided that the MSU MAED online program would work best for me. I would not have to commute anywhere because it was all done online and I had a very positive undergraduate experience with MSU. I was a little hesitant because although I have a general feel for computer technology, I am no wiz.
I am now in my last class of my Master's program and I am pleased to say I have acquired new ideas and techniques that have made me a better teacher and coach. My worry about using technology throughout the program was not necessary as MSU did a wonderful job of walking the students through using the various technology tools. I have discovered new ways to communicate with others using computer technology and I even learned how to create this online portfolio from my Master's program.
Throughout my first few years of teaching I realize that it is in my best interest and the best interest of my students and players to be a "lifelong learner". This means continuing to grow as an educator and coach either by attending professional development opportunites or taking advantage of new technology and learning in a similar fashion as I did in my MSU MAED online program. Some plans I have for myself is to attend coaching clinics where I can observe and listen to respected coaches around the nation and use some of their ideas that I feel will have a positive impact on me and my players. I also was made aware of some different coaching websites through my course "Promoting Positive Development of Youth in Sports". I plan to go into more depth exploring those websites and expand on my coaching knowledge. As far as continuing my education as a teacher, I will be keeping an eye out for other online courses similar to the MSU MAED program that will help better me as a teacher. I will also continue to reflect and collaborate with my colleagues to see what works best when teaching our youth.
One of the opportunities that caught my attention was the MSU MAED online Master's Program. I was eager to continue my education but I knew I was very busy with teaching, coaching, and life outside of my two greatest passions and I did not know how I could fit in time to take my graduate classes. After researching different universities graduate programs, I decided that the MSU MAED online program would work best for me. I would not have to commute anywhere because it was all done online and I had a very positive undergraduate experience with MSU. I was a little hesitant because although I have a general feel for computer technology, I am no wiz.
I am now in my last class of my Master's program and I am pleased to say I have acquired new ideas and techniques that have made me a better teacher and coach. My worry about using technology throughout the program was not necessary as MSU did a wonderful job of walking the students through using the various technology tools. I have discovered new ways to communicate with others using computer technology and I even learned how to create this online portfolio from my Master's program.
Throughout my first few years of teaching I realize that it is in my best interest and the best interest of my students and players to be a "lifelong learner". This means continuing to grow as an educator and coach either by attending professional development opportunites or taking advantage of new technology and learning in a similar fashion as I did in my MSU MAED online program. Some plans I have for myself is to attend coaching clinics where I can observe and listen to respected coaches around the nation and use some of their ideas that I feel will have a positive impact on me and my players. I also was made aware of some different coaching websites through my course "Promoting Positive Development of Youth in Sports". I plan to go into more depth exploring those websites and expand on my coaching knowledge. As far as continuing my education as a teacher, I will be keeping an eye out for other online courses similar to the MSU MAED program that will help better me as a teacher. I will also continue to reflect and collaborate with my colleagues to see what works best when teaching our youth.
