Jessica Oliver

The Journey Has Only Just Begun...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I near the end of my Masters program, I am left asking myself, where do I go from here?  This program has opened my eyes to many things and has helped me to uncover more about myself as a learner, teacher, and person.  While the work I have done in the MAED (Master of Arts in Education) program has been monumental, I feel like I have only begun climbing the mountain.  I started this journey with a focus on literacy and technology.  I continue the journey with a desire to further my understanding of both, while adding new and uncharted territory to my itinerary.

 

When it comes to literacy, I have been afforded a wealth of knowledge and information over the last three years.  I have experienced new literacies and gained diverse and engaging strategies and skills to support reading and writing in my classroom.  From honing in on the building blocks of phonics, to exploring classic literature through a filmmaker’s eyes, I have broadened my understanding and expectations of what it means to be literate.  I truly feel like I have become an expert and resource for those around me, as well.  That being said, I know there is so much more out there for me to discover.  As this journey moves forward, I want to look for the most up-to-date, best practices along the way.  Attending Michigan Reading Association conferences, joining online blogs and reading/writing sites that are teacher and research based, and maintaining relationships with those in the field (both professional and educational) will all continue to build my reading and writing foundation.  Keeping a fresh perspective guarantees my students and I access to the most influential and engaging forms of literacy out there.

 

Technology has also been at the core of my experience in the MAED program.  Taking an entire program electronically was in itself an amazing adventure.  But the projects and inquiries that evolved were inspiring.  The last year, especially, has brought me to a place I never knew I could get to in terms of technology; my technological growth has been incredible!  I have created 2 websites, participated in shared Google Docs, used educational chat rooms, and tried my hand at a Stop Motion movie. Even so, I feel like I have only skimmed the surface.  We are living in a digital world that continues to change and expand on a daily (even hourly) basis.  It is my goal to move with this shift of thinking and living.  I want to best prepare myself for the digital expansion that lies ahead.  This means learning more about how to navigate, create, and incorporate digital media regularly.  I have yet to participate in a podcast, make a Wiki, or use Movie Maker.  I have access to I-Pads in my classroom every day, but they are not put to very good use instructionally. All of these things are within my reach right now, but I just haven’t explored them to the full potential.  By setting aside time and seeking the help of colleagues, I know I can become proficient in these and many other digital areas.  Furthermore, I can prep myself to be ready for the next big thing to come to technology.  My digital dreams are huge, but with determination and the willingness to just try, I am confident they will one day be just a step in my journey and I will be a technology leader and resource for my colleagues and students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While my journey will continue on a similar path, it will also have some new twists and turns.  During the course of my work in the MAED program, I was exposed to areas that I hadn’t before taken an excessive interest in.  Studying Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) and working to find motivational strategies to use in the classroom were both awakening experiences.  Of course, I have always cared about my students’ behaviors and the motivations that drive their learning, but they were not a focus for me.  With each new group of students I get, the more curious and concerned I become with these elements.  The past few years I have had to tweak my classroom management and motivational methods to entice the group of students that comes in.  They are all different and they change from year to year; so too must my strategies.  I am left wondering, how do we create a school-wide behavior system that positively supports and encourages all students?  I also question, how do we build student's intrinsic motivations and get them excited about and accountable for their own education?  These questions have inspired me to look for answers and to dig deeper.  I know there are many online resources available to get me started.  I look forward to beginning my search and sharing with others along the way.

 

It is obvious that I have many goals for myself as a teacher and a learner. Outside of these roles, I am also a mom.  When I think about where I see myself going, I often think about what I want for my own children; what kind of teacher and role model I want them to have.  This pushes me even more to be the best version of myself both inside and outside the classroom.   All of the goals outlined above are intended to keep me connected to and enthusiastic about my teaching and learning and to be the best version of myself.  While the top of the mountain may seem so high and so far, I know that I have built a strong foundation and I carry a strong determination to continue on my journey and reach the top!