Stacey Avery's Portfolio
Growing, Changing, Thriving
When I look back upon the past four and a half years, I realize I have grown greatly in my position. In 2010, I began my journey in the Master’s of Education program at Michigan State University with the goal of learning effective classroom management and to build a strong literacy program for my students as well as effectively teach students who may fall under the special education category. My most important goal has always been to continue my learning: to grow in my knowledge, practice, and skills to be the best teacher I could possibly be for my students. Today my goals are still to seek continual professional development as well as use effective teaching strategies; however, they have changed in a different direction.
One of my original goals was professional development which continues to be at the forefront of my goals today. However, my goal has changed from professional development for management purposes to professional development for instructional purposes. In order to reach my students, I must know the best possible practices in my field. I need to be data driven. Even though scores can be overwhelming and some say not important, my job is to use this information to meet my students where they are and find ways to make them successful learners. By being data driven, I tailor my teaching strategies, groupings, and lesson plans for my students not just teach to a written program. The needs of my students are my first priority.
My second goal was to use my concentrations of literacy and special education to support me in becoming an effective teacher. This goal continues to be important; however, I added technology to my goals. One of my special education courses demonstrated technology use for all students as an extremely effective practice. Some students have a mild disability that can easily be accommodated through management techniques and technology usage within the classroom. Therefore, my goal since completing that course is to continue to incorporate technology into my teaching strategies.
I learned early on as a second grader to believe in myself as well as my goals. My teacher always wanted what was best for me. She helped me to grow and change my behaviors so I could be the best student possible. I knew after that year that I wanted to be just like her. My goal was to help other students to do their very best and always know they matter to me as well as the others in the class. Today, I have that same philosophy. Even though my goals have changed since I started my Master’s program, I want to thrive in my position. I want to knock the socks off my students and let them know that I care about each one of them personally. Face it, is that not what education is about? Don’t we all want our students to be successful and know that someone cares for them? I do and will continue to strive to achieve that goal!