“My decision to become an educator was not one I took lightly.  When I chose to attend Dakota State University and major in Elementary Education and Special Education, I understood that teaching was a profession that would cause me to have a large impact on the lives of many children.  As I have learned the strategies and techniques that work best to teach children, I have been convinced over and over that I have made the correct decision.  Looking forward, I am excited to put what I have learned to use in the classroom.”

This is a quote from my philosophy of teaching paper as an undergraduate.  I wrote it originally as I was preparing to enter student teaching.  I would love to say I entered the MSET program with the same level of excitement and fire but, the truth is, I chose to begin my MSET degree because I was graduating with a teaching degree in December.  Teaching jobs in December are rather few and far between.  When I heard about the MSET program, I thought, ‘I’ve always loved learning new things and gaining new skills and this is an opportunity to do both.’

As I began the MSET program, I expected to learn about new technologies and new skills that I could use in my classroom.  I did not expect to learn about myself and I did not expect what I learned to completely change how I felt about technology in the classroom.  I did and it did too.

One of the goals that has stuck out to me in the course of completing the MSET program is that of leadership.  “Students will be leaders in educational technology.”  I have never been what you would call a leader.  I’m more of a ‘stand in the background and do the little things that need done’ type of person.  However, I was starting my teaching career as I was working my way through my degree.  When my co-workers found out my masters degree work was in the area of educational technology, they started coming to me with their questions about computers, iPads, projectors, the internet, printers, etc.  Even though I’m not a person who thinks of herself as a leader, I was able to lead in the area of technology.  That is something the MSET program has given me: the ability to quietly lead when I can.

The leadership gains I’ve made within myself have also caused an important shift in my thinking in the classroom.  I teach in the special education area.  Some of my students struggle with paying attention or basic skills.  They may need modifications to meet grade level expectations, or a completely different curriculum with different expectations.  Technology is a huge opportunity for my students.  Technology tools exist that can give my student with ADHD and a huge disorganization problem a way to remember assignments.  They can offer a student with cognitive delays a way to learn content and not be pulled out of the classroom as much as would be needed otherwise.  Technology takes a writing assignment from a struggle to spell things correctly and make words legible to an opportunity to clearly communicate in writing.

These technology tools can offer my students the opportunity to be on an equal level with their classmates.  They can showcase what they can do.  The connection of technology with these students can allow them to find what they excel at.  Just like working through the MSET program has made me more confident in myself, these technology tools can make my students more confident-and more capable of being a leader in their own lives.

While I entered the MSET program a little unsure that it was the right place for me, I leave it much like I left Dakota State University the first time: a bit of a new person, a little more confident, and excited to use what I have learned in my classroom.