Professional Goals

A lot of people have good intentions when it comes to setting professional goals. When I first sat down to write my professional goals statement, I thought it would be easy. I am at a point in my life that I am focusing on "what's next". So, how difficult could it be to simply write down those goals? When I began writing, however, I discovered it was going to be a little more difficult than I anticipated. I realized that it may be possible to have too many goals. My first goal is to complete the Masters of Science in Early Childhood Studies- Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field . I want to be able to complete this degree within 15 months. Working really hard, I believe I can accomplish this goal. I have motivation and passion to complete this goal so pursue to all of my goals.

 

My next goal relates to the success of my students. I decided to become a teacher was the desire to affect the lives of others. Unfortunately, today many people in our society do not look favorably on young adults. I believe I have a responsibility in their lives to make sure that my students are getting the best education possible so that they can succeed in whatever they choose. I feel that Walden's' graduate program would help me in this endeavor. Any time that a teacher or educator can learn about new educational theories and practices, they will be able to become more effective teacher. The world of education is ever-changing. In order to become a more effective teacher, I have to discover for myself how those superior theories and practices can be used to help my students become the future leaders of our country.

 

My final goal is to become a college professor. I have a degree that allows me to do more than what some people refer to as "just teaching". I considered for a while becoming a teacher trainer. At some point in my life, I would like to be a college professor. The difference between teaching early childhood and college students appears great. Although some of the students are only one year apart in age, the maturity and focus of college students is alluring, and will probably become more so as my life progresses.

 

Although I have some experience with teaching adults, I know that it will be important for me to learn the challenges that come with teaching at a postsecondary level. I am hoping to gain more understanding of these challenges through my graduate study. It will be important for me to learn the different learning styles of adults, and how the postsecondary environment affects the education process. I now know that I have found the program that will fit my needs and will help me to reach my goals.

 

As I look back over these goals, I am pleased that I had to write it. I knew in the back of my mind that I had several things I wanted to accomplish in my lifetime, but I had never put them down on paper, or thought about how I could reach those goals. Having to write these professional goals, however, helped me to realize that I should be working toward my goals as well as well as focusing on what was next. With the three professional goals I provided I believed I took in a great part of the mission statement of the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership. The purpose of this mission is to prepare learners to become effective in the world.