A.J. Stibitz's Professional Portfolio 

My Future as a Learner and Educator 

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            As I write this essay, I must reflect upon the fact that I am almost done with my Master’s degree.  Although it feels like the end of a journey, it is actually the beginning of another one.  Now, the question is what will I do with this education.

            Last year, I was laid off after working seven years at an alternative education high school.  This was devastating to me.  I loved working at this school and this allowed me to have passion for my work each day.  Through this setback, I continued to work on my Master’s and I am set to complete the program through Michigan State University.

            The question is, how will my experience help me develop a new career?  I know that I am committed to staying in education and my experience has improved my abilities in this area.  I now know that I am a better teacher and this will help in the search for a new career.  The two most fundamental improvements and the areas I will continue to focus on in my development involve technology in the classroom and student centered learning. 

            I understand that just because I will receive a degree that my learning will not be complete.  I believe that the most important lesson I learned in this program is that this is just the start.  This is especially true in technology where it is ever changing.  As an educator, I am committed to using it in my classroom.  To do this, I must continually learn what is out there and how to use it appropriately in my classroom. Much like technology, students change.  In order to have a student-centered classroom, my teaching must change to fit my students.  I will continually have to learn with my classes.    

            With all of this new learning, I feel eager to get back into the classroom.  I want to put all of this information into practice.  I know I will continually improve to become a better educator.  Now, I just have to wait for my chance