Thinking about the next steps after my graduate program is complete, is surreal. For the longest time getting to this program, and completing it was my main goal. Now that my goal is almost achieved I am overwhelmed with the possibilities of what could come next. Of course, as a teacher my learning is always continuing. Whether it is a professional development opportunity, a new exciting book,  a collaboration session with colleagues, or even a new degree, where my learning will go next is always something I am thinking about. Some of my goals for where I am going next are easy like becoming a google educator. Where others will take more time and consideration like pursuing grant opportunities to better my districts current technology state, and find a role as a technology integration specialist. 

 

To explain my goals further…

 

Become a Google CertifiedEducator

A few years ago my district went exclusively to Google Applications. With my use of Google Applications I have found that the collaboration benefits are undeniable. My big goal, which I will go into more detail later, is to be a technology integration specialist. With that being a big goal, I think that becoming a Certified Google Educator will be a great start in helping my teachers with day to day operations with this technology platform, as well as with incorporating  Google tools into their teaching. With my graduate program coming to a close, becoming a Google Certified Educator is a great next step for building my skills and knowledge.  Using the online courses offered by google I will start with becoming a level 1 educator. It only takes about 2-3 hours to become a certified educator and has minimal costs involved. It is also fully online. So many districts use google applications now that I think it would be an asset to have this certification under my belt. 

 

Begin Researching and Writing Technology Grants

Whether a classroom has 1 iPad, or a class set, teachers need to be equipped to teach to the 21st century learner. While reviewing the 2017 National Education Technology Plan the infrastructure section of the plan really stuck out to me. Some of the components of that section include, high quality-low cost devices, high speed wifi, quality digital content and resources, etc… With that plan in mind, I want to begin researching and writing grants to better the technology infrastructure in the district I teach in, with the goal for al students to have access to technology in their learning. Some easy ways that I can begin to accomplish this goal is by utilizing Donors Choose, to be able to involve my community in technology improvements. I can also apply for local district grants which I have done for my classroom, but I can write one for my building to improve the infrastructure. Last, I plan to look through MDE, and see if there are any grants that they offer as well to help achieve the goal of improving our building or district technology resources. By casting a wide net with grants, I hope to achieve this goal sooner. 

 

Pursue a Career as a Technology Integration Specialist

Prior to entering the MAET program, I had watched several integration technology specialists speak at Nerd Camp (an engagement conference). When they taught a room full of teachers about a program, or activity I felt inspired. When I entered the program, my goal was to become an integration technology specialist, so that I could not only help students but teachers. An article I had recently read in EdTech Times re-inspired this goal. Whether this is my district, or with another I have found this role to be one that I feel comfortable and prepared to take on. The plans I have to achieve this goal are to start speaking to my administration to see if this is a need that our district may have, or how a technology integration specialist could fit in with our districts long term plan. If it is not something my district is ready for I will begin  a search to find this job. Using LinkedIn, and networking with other educators, I will see if there are openings with this job title. 

To wrap up my thoughts, I feel that these goals are a great extension of the learning that I have accomplished during my graduate program and are goals I am currently driven to accomplish.