Professional Growth Plan
My Inspiration
During my second term serving as an AmeriCorps member, I sought to assist my learners in engaging within the English language arts classroom. Many learners were in English as a Second Language (ESL); they needed help engaging and understanding the material more intensely, eventually improving their engagement. I began dedicating my projects and research to utilize digital tools to aid students within ELA and writing classrooms, such as audio read-aloud and Jeopardy templates as supplement activities to pair with the lead ELA teacher’s lesson plans. Seeing the students enthusiastically engage with the movements and absorb the information inspires me to continue creating fun experiences and a great learning environment. Most importantly, my teaching philosophy is to offer equal opportunity to learners from diverse educational backgrounds, cultures, intellects, and personalities. Technology is an expansive field of study, similar to the Tree of Life, with a minor difference regarding gamification tech for extra fun.
Philosophy of Educational Technology Leadership
Having different roles in a classroom throughout the years has motivated me to assist with the development of a school’s program, to commit to working in educational technology
providing leadership assistance and effective implementation of learning technologies for students ( in the pedagogical approach within classrooms) and administrative (Schoology software for staff/ faculty comprehension).
A kingmaker is “a person who has great power and influence in the choice of a ruler, candidate for public office, business leader, or the like (Dictonary.com, n.d.) .” A servant leader takes an element of an “each one teaches one approach” to influence and share their knowledge of what they gained. This leadership style seeks to create other leaders.
My leadership philosophy style embodies servant leadership theory because of its significance in solving organizational-sized issues, having the instincts/morals to lead by example, and helping others cultivate their potential. This appeals to my work experience, fitting the context and culture that would foster a servant leader (Northouse, 2013 p. 468) and my role as an AmeriCorps member. Through my volunteer ship, I empathize with issues within specific communities due to my upbringing and work experiences. Those experiences encouraged me to commit to the growth of people (Northouse, 2013, p. 463) and the ideology in my other practices as a professor/coordinator in educational settings and to work well with other professionals.
Serving others as a technology leader in my classroom, school, and various educational settings has allowed me to become authentic. I am staying true to the curious learner I started to be, and I want to enjoy the process of becoming by serving those around me (Warren Bennis, On Becoming a Leader).
Goals and Benchmarks
Reflecting on my first year as a doctoral student, it has been extraordinary, filled with numerous opportunities I eagerly embraced. My initial goals have remained constant but have evolved into more refined pursuits. A significant lesson learned is maintaining an open, affirmative mindset within manageable limits. A pivotal moment during my first year was my encounter with Dr. Farber during the summer of 2023 institute. This experience introduced me to game-based learning, game design in education, esports, and other innovative technologies in educational games. It allowed me to explore various avenues within this field and connect with numerous communities of like-minded educators.
Having established a foothold in games in education, my goal for the second year is to refine and master game-based learning methods. I aim to develop these skills further by engaging in fellowships centered on games and learning while exploring project-based learning (PBL) methodologies, such as drones and 3D printing. These goals align closely with my dissertation study, driving my exploration of learning technologies.
Presenting at different conferences has provided invaluable opportunities to share my knowledge and receive feedback from peers interested in my research. Additionally, I have connected with professionals in the gaming industry investigating the use of games for impactful learning. My first year has laid a robust foundation for my continued exploration and development in educational games and learning technologies. I am excited to refine my goals further and contribute to this dynamic and innovative field.
After completing the Ed.D. program at New Jersey City University, I aim to collaborate with gaming companies and children's TV networks to develop programs for students learning both in and outside the classroom. This includes designing game labs in school media centers, after-school enrichment programs, and game-themed virtual communities. hool media centers, after-school enrichment programs, and game-themed virtual communities. I strive to follow my research motto, "Leveling up," by achieving significant academic, professional, and creative goals as a doctoral student and leader in innovative and creating educational technology that supports STEAM learning!