Growing Forward: Continuing My Growth as an Educator

Earning my master's degree in educational technology is a major milestone, but it’s far from the end of my learning journey. If anything, this program has deepened my curiosity and made me more aware of the areas where I still want to grow. In the fast-moving world of education, staying static is not an option—especially when our students are evolving just as quickly. Through my coursework, collaboration with peers, and direct application in my classroom, I’ve learned that professional growth isn’t about mastering a set of tools—it’s about constantly questioning, adjusting, and improving the experiences I design for students. In order to continue progressing and growing as an educator, I’ve identified three future learning goals I’ll pursue after my formal coursework ends. These goals are rooted in my desire to become a more responsive, informed, and impactful educator. They are not about climbing a career ladder, but about building the skills and knowledge I need to support students more effectively, adapt to change, and stay inspired.

Goal 1: Strengthen My Classroom Feedback Practices

Grades are often seen as final judgments, but I want my classroom to be a place where feedback fuels improvement, not anxiety. I’ve already begun shifting away from traditional tests toward student self-assessments, check-ins, and mastery-based tasks—but I know there’s more I can do to make feedback a meaningful part of student learning. I want to explore ways to give timely, specific, and actionable feedback that encourages students to take ownership of their growth. I know that when students see feedback as a normal and helpful part of learning, they’re more likely to take risks and improve.

Knowledge & Skills Needed:

Strategies for giving timely, specific, and actionable feedback
Tools for managing feedback workflows efficiently (e.g., digital comments, checklists, peer review protocols)
Understanding of how feedback impacts student motivation and identity
Ways to build a classroom culture where feedback is normal, not intimidating

Resources to Support This Goal:

Goal 2: Explore Project-Based Learning and Authentic Assessment in Math

Math is often seen as the most rigid of content areas, but I believe it has incredible potential for creativity, collaboration, and real-world connection. I want to explore how project-based learning (PBL) and authentic assessments can transform how students engage with math. My goal is to design learning experiences that allow students to explore meaningful questions and use math as a tool for making sense of the world, not just solving textbook problems.

Knowledge & Skills Needed:

Familiarity with the PBL process and how it aligns with math standards
Strategies for designing open-ended tasks with multiple solution paths
Skill in scaffolding projects so they’re accessible to all learners
Methods for assessing mathematical thinking without relying solely on tests

Resources to Support This Goal:

Goal 3: Explore the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives—and education is no exception. Rather than waiting for AI to shape schools without our input, I want to be proactive in learning how it can support teaching, improve learning, and be used responsibly. I also want to understand its ethical implications and how to teach students to use it responsibly. My goal is not just to use AI tools, but to understand them deeply enough to make informed, ethical choices in how I integrate them into my teaching.

Knowledge & Skills Needed:

Understanding how tools like ChatGPT and AI tutors can be used meaningfully in classrooms
Awareness of privacy, bias, and academic integrity concerns in AI
Strategies for using AI to support teacher planning, feedback, and scaffolding
Skills for guiding students in ethical and effective AI use

Resources to Support This Goal:

These goals reflect where I want to go, but also who I want to be—someone who’s always listening, growing, and finding new ways to support my students. I’ve learned that the most effective educators aren’t the ones who know it all—they’re the ones who keep learning. I’m excited to keep that mindset alive and let these goals guide my next steps.