Reflections



I have definite beliefs about education that have been formed over the past few years of working for the New York City Department of Education. It is my belief that one key does not open every lock. The same applies to children -- one method of teaching is not appropriate for all children. Children are unique. Children are individuals. Differentiation is the key to the success of all students. I began teaching five years ago with ideas that I would be one of those teachers that actually caused great changes in the lives of my students. The bubble was sadly burst during my first year when I realized that the populations I teach are the forgotten ones -- the ones that everyone has given up on. It is now my fifth year and I have formed a new perspective -- my students deserve the best, and I **can** be the one to help them get it, even if everyone else has given up. Everyone is capable of learning; they simply need the appropriate materials and guidance.

I believe this program has helped me grow, both as an educator and as a learner. The classes that I've taken have forced me to think about myself as a reader... what helps me and what doesn't, what motivates me and what doesn't. I have been able to then relay this into my classroom. I have learned that it's not always about what you have to teach the kids, but sometimes it's about HOW you teach them. The courses that I’ve completed for this MsEd have challenged me in so many ways. The written assignments as well as the readings have been demanding at times, but supportive professors have helped me rise to the occasion. It is also such a unique experience to complete a degree by way of an online platform. I consider myself very fortunate to have had such diverse classmates. Participating in discussions with teachers from various states of our country have given me an insight about how things work differently outside of New York City. I’ve learned about so many reading programs and assessments as well as different techniques to work with my students.

One example of how the courses for this degree have helped me already is with my lower grade students. When I was in the classroom, I always worked with flash cards to get the students to learn their sight words. This is something I have to teach them. UNE has taught me that there are different approaches. I've learned that this method is not engaging enough... quite frankly, it's boring for the students! This year, I've started to use some of the games on PBS Kids. My students love it! It's fun, animated, and it offers instant feedback without me sitting 1-1 with the child. Completing this program at the University of New England is the next step in reaching my career goals. Aside from a love for technology, literacy is a passion of mine. I was the child that would rather sit in my room reading a good book than going out to the park to play on a warm spring day. My love for reading is something that I try to share with my students each day of the school year. As a teacher however, I have seen that reading does not come as easily for many children as it had for me. Taking courses for this degree that concentrates in reading has offered some insight into some of the struggles that children face. Furthermore, it has helped prepare me to help these children by arming me with strategies and solutions to effectively assist them.

I do not believe that this is the last stop for me as a student. The school that I am currently teaching in has a mission statement of "Today's Learner is Tomorrow's Leader." I believe teachers should all be lifetime learners, as this makes us better leaders. The world around us is ever-changing. We must continue our education so we are best prepared to teach our students with the newest and most effective techniques available.

Changes made in 2004 to certification requirements here in New York State have ensured that I will continue to learn. Certification is good for five years. In order to renew your certification, you much show documentation that you have completed a total of 175 professional development hours.