As I reflect upon my time with UNE from October 2013 until now, I can honestly say I am so very thankful for this experience. I began this maters experience because as a "specials" teacher I was being left out of literacy professional development at my school. I was very upset about this as I knew I needed to gain more knowledge when it comes to literacy if my students were going to succeed in my class. I had heard great things about UNE and it's masters of education (literacy) program, so I decided to join. What an amazing experience it has been. I got everything I wanted, plus way more. I grew so much as a teacher with everything I was able to learn.
Within each class I was exposed to a variety of new ideas, new strategies, and more ideas from professional people in the field of education. The amount of time spent throughout each course on differentiation and motivation has been extremely helpful as the differences my students bring to the classroom seem to widen. I had always felt as though my undergraduate learning at U-Maine Farmington had provided me with what I needed on these topics, but I now realize how much more was out there. I appreciate the focus on differentiation and motivation, as they follow my philosophy perfectly. I truly try to focus on each student in my classroom and what their individual needs are. I feel as though I now have more tools in my tool bag to be successful with this.
Furthermore, I think what I enjoyed most was the amount of technology I was asked to use. I began using programs like Glogster, GoAnimate, Live Binder, Prezi, Voice Thread, Mind Messier and more. Many of which I have provided as artifacts in this portfolio. Each piece of technology I was asked to use was a learning experience for me. Though I was frustrated at times with my inability to navigate some of the programs, I pushed through and am better off because of it. I am now able to offer these programs to my students and can also help them learn to use them. Some of the projects I have seen from my students using, Live Binder or Prezi, have been amazing. Without UNE expecting me to use these, I probably would not be creating projects and assessments for my students that include these programs.
Finally, I am grateful to the large number of colleagues I had the opportunity to work with throughout my time at UNE. Teachers tend to get so busy, that we forget to interact with our peers. With the many discussions and group projects done in each class, I was able to see that no matter where a person is teaching, many things remain the same. I also had the opportunity to learn a great deal of new tricks from my classmates. I am thankful for the advice or encouragement they gave to me. It is nice, to be a community, even if we are not all teaching in the same district.
As I end my time with UNE, I look at how far I have grown as a teacher and a leader in my district. I joined the leadership team at my high school and I became one of four teachers who spearheaded a committee called the Standards-Based Grading Group. The four of us have worked tirelessly to get our school on the right track as we transition to standards-based education. I could not be more thankful or proud of where I am, but I know I would not be here without this masters experience. I look forward, after my baby is born, to trying to continue with UNE to receive my Literacy Coaching certificate. I have no doubt it will be as beneficial and life changing as this one was.
Within each class I was exposed to a variety of new ideas, new strategies, and more ideas from professional people in the field of education. The amount of time spent throughout each course on differentiation and motivation has been extremely helpful as the differences my students bring to the classroom seem to widen. I had always felt as though my undergraduate learning at U-Maine Farmington had provided me with what I needed on these topics, but I now realize how much more was out there. I appreciate the focus on differentiation and motivation, as they follow my philosophy perfectly. I truly try to focus on each student in my classroom and what their individual needs are. I feel as though I now have more tools in my tool bag to be successful with this.
Furthermore, I think what I enjoyed most was the amount of technology I was asked to use. I began using programs like Glogster, GoAnimate, Live Binder, Prezi, Voice Thread, Mind Messier and more. Many of which I have provided as artifacts in this portfolio. Each piece of technology I was asked to use was a learning experience for me. Though I was frustrated at times with my inability to navigate some of the programs, I pushed through and am better off because of it. I am now able to offer these programs to my students and can also help them learn to use them. Some of the projects I have seen from my students using, Live Binder or Prezi, have been amazing. Without UNE expecting me to use these, I probably would not be creating projects and assessments for my students that include these programs.
Finally, I am grateful to the large number of colleagues I had the opportunity to work with throughout my time at UNE. Teachers tend to get so busy, that we forget to interact with our peers. With the many discussions and group projects done in each class, I was able to see that no matter where a person is teaching, many things remain the same. I also had the opportunity to learn a great deal of new tricks from my classmates. I am thankful for the advice or encouragement they gave to me. It is nice, to be a community, even if we are not all teaching in the same district.
As I end my time with UNE, I look at how far I have grown as a teacher and a leader in my district. I joined the leadership team at my high school and I became one of four teachers who spearheaded a committee called the Standards-Based Grading Group. The four of us have worked tirelessly to get our school on the right track as we transition to standards-based education. I could not be more thankful or proud of where I am, but I know I would not be here without this masters experience. I look forward, after my baby is born, to trying to continue with UNE to receive my Literacy Coaching certificate. I have no doubt it will be as beneficial and life changing as this one was.
Image retrieved from www.pinterest.com |
Myself & another teacher with a few of our students from the Class of 2015
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"To Teach is to Touch a Life FOREVER!" ~unknown~
Image retrieved from une.edu