Lifelong Learning 

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Why Become a Lifelong Learner?

 

One of the many reasons I became an educator was to instill a love of learning in the students I teach.  I have found that in order to do so effectively, I too, have to grow and learn.  In my last eight years as an educator, the expectations of and demands on the students have grown and become more challenging to meet.  This can be felt with the instruction of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-Step) assessments, and the use of various benchmark assessments throughout the year.  Each one of these standards of learning and assessing require our students to demonstrate a deep understanding of content learned.  To find the balance of meeting the needs of all the students while continuing to instill a love of learning requires constant growth and lifelong learning for the teacher as well.    

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Incorporating my Education into Instruction

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There are several educational goals I have even after the completion of my master's at Michigan State University. There are many topics that I have touched the surface of in my coursework that I hope to become more versed in as I continue my journey as a teacher.  With my undergraduate work focusing on math and reading instruction, and my master’s work focusing on technology instruction, there are many future goals I have in meshing these two degrees to create more engaging, differentiated instruction for my students for years to come.  I also see myself working in education outside of the classroom someday, collaborating and supporting teachers in finding ways to change and improve classroom instruction.

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Google Classroom Training

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One way I hope to reach students in a more engaging way, as well as help me to differentiate student learning is through the use of Google Classroom.  In my master’s work, I have showcased a sample of how Google Classroom could be used in the classroom, but hope to further my knowledge and expertise using Google Classroom in my future.  Google Classroom can provide me a way to give constant, formative feedback and support students through the process of learning.  I believe this can teach students to be lifelong learners, and start to enjoy the process of learning in a positive way.  There are many educational conferences or college courses, such as the ISTE conference or this Using Google Tools in the Classroom course that focus on the use of Google Classroom specifically that I would be very interested in participating in.  I believe learning more about all the options that Google Classroom could give to my students would open up many opportunities to strengthen and deepen learning in my classroom.

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Flipped Classroom Certification 

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​Another way I hope to reach students in a more engaging way is to learn more about flipped classroom instruction, and teaching instruction with the use of technology.  In my current one room school setting, the idea of having lessons videoed and readily available for students to independently watch and revisit throughout the year seems very appealing as it would be a supportive alternative to meet each students individual needs.  Some flipped classroom training's are found online, such as Flipped Learning 3.0 Certification Level - I, that I would be very interested in learning more about and implementing one day in my classroom.  K-12 online school is taking education by storm, and this flipped classroom concept could incorporate online learning and at home support for families to utilize as well.

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Educational Consultant

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Lastly, one of my most long term goals is to eventually work in an Intermediate School District or for the Michigan Department of Education to help teachers state or even nationwide.  I would love to share with other teacher’s effective tools and methods to incorporate in the classroom and continue to instill a love of learning to students in dozens, if not hundreds of schools.  Perhaps, as an educational consultant or director of technology, instruction or curriculum.  These careers would give me the opportunity I am looking for to spread my knowledge and expertise.  I know some of my best teaching techniques and strategies came straight from other teachers and mentors in my short career as an educator and I hope to one day be able to share and pass on all I have learned and experienced as a teacher.

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Big Picture

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Overall, when all is said and done in my career as an educator, my goals revolve around ways to continue to instill a love of learning to my students, and eventually pass on a love of teaching to other educators.  

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Thank you for your interest in my story. For a PDF view, click here.