My Michigan State Experience 

            Almost five years ago, I began the MAED Program at Michigan State University with the intention of developing into a better teacher.  As I wrote my goal statement in the application process, I focused around the fact that I wanted to develop better ways to make education more authentic and exciting for my students.   I believe that the program has done well to help meet my goals and it has helped me find new passion to become an even better teacher.

            To have a more authentic and exciting classroom, I first took classes that focused on using technology correctly in education.  I believe that technology is too often misused in the classroom and the classes gave me insight into how to appropriately use it to provoke interest.   The main lesson I gained was that I should never use technology just for the sake of using it.  It must have a purpose and it must enhance the experience.  I now feel comfortable using technology in the classroom and I know I can use it effectively.  

            In developing as a teacher, I knew it was important to focus on motivation.  Through the program, I developed the theory that I could best motivate students by making the class centered around them.  I developed better ways to hold discussions, how to share power and how to create a curriculum that gets input from the students.   All of these techniques help create motivation.

            Although I did not have it as an original goal when I entered the program, I found myself interested in the coaching classes offered through the Michigan State University.  Part of my professional goals involved giving back to the community. Coaching is a perfect opportunity and these classes allowed me to develop into a better coach.   

            As I look to the future, the MAED Program has only strengthened my desire to become a better teacher and coach.  It has given me the base on which I can continually improve.  Currently, this Capstone class is giving me insight on how to create websites.  Now, I want to develop one that can be used in a classroom to keep students engaged.  Most of all, the program has confirmed my love of learning.   This will stay with me to help me become a successful educator.  

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