Before the iPhone was Released...
...and while my school was still under the leadership of the first principal, I began on my path toward my Masters of Arts in P-12 and Post-Secondary Leadership. In April of 2007 I wrote my goals statement essay for my application towards entrance into the program. I reflected on my passion for increasing the level of educational opportunities for urban students that will lead to increased college admittance and matriculation; that ultimately leads to increased knowledge, happiness, financial security and a responsible citizenry.
The long-term goals were and still are extremely utopian and complex.
The long-term goals were and still are extremely utopian and complex.
- Decrease the number of urban public school dropouts,
- Decrease the number of public school graduates who are permanently fixed in a minimum wage workplace,
- Ensure that urban public school graduates are aware of the ample opportunities to continue with their own personal growth.
When I initialized these goals four-and-a-half years ago, the intention was to become a school leader who is a proponent of change concerning the quality of education for urban youth placed in my school's care. I thought that I might become a school principal or place myself in some other school leadership position. I envisioned educating my staff and myself by studying best practices to raise the bar for what city children can do academically. I wanted to be involved in an educational revolution in Detroit and other urban cities. I expressed a commitment toward staying in my current district.
Since 2007 some things have changed. One: the iPhone was released leading to the invention of a great toy, the iPad, which is beginning a technological revolution in education. Two: I got married, an endeavor that always leads to change in one's lifestyle, including a one-and-a-half-year hiatus from the MSU Online Education program. Three: new leadership has entered the scene at my current place of employment.
The Masters of Arts in Education program at Michigan State University has exposed me to a great deal of other opportunities in the field including the possibility of accomplishing the goals I originally listed in April 2007 using a different route which may include instructing instructors. The changes occurring within the realm of education towards data-driven instruction and teacher accountability causes me to want to help others remember that education is still about relationships and uplifting society as a whole. Leigh Graves Wolf's course, Teaching K12 Online, has opened my eyes to a whole new potential venue for making my goals happen as well. Different students excel in different spaces and under varied conditions. Who knows how many more urban youth may be able to have careers and personal growth due to a change of venue? More college graduates? More knowledge? More happiness? More financial stability and security? More citizens who care? The possibilities are endless. The professional goals have evolved, but the passion is the same.
Jennifer L. Tiggs
October 15, 2011
Since 2007 some things have changed. One: the iPhone was released leading to the invention of a great toy, the iPad, which is beginning a technological revolution in education. Two: I got married, an endeavor that always leads to change in one's lifestyle, including a one-and-a-half-year hiatus from the MSU Online Education program. Three: new leadership has entered the scene at my current place of employment.
The Masters of Arts in Education program at Michigan State University has exposed me to a great deal of other opportunities in the field including the possibility of accomplishing the goals I originally listed in April 2007 using a different route which may include instructing instructors. The changes occurring within the realm of education towards data-driven instruction and teacher accountability causes me to want to help others remember that education is still about relationships and uplifting society as a whole. Leigh Graves Wolf's course, Teaching K12 Online, has opened my eyes to a whole new potential venue for making my goals happen as well. Different students excel in different spaces and under varied conditions. Who knows how many more urban youth may be able to have careers and personal growth due to a change of venue? More college graduates? More knowledge? More happiness? More financial stability and security? More citizens who care? The possibilities are endless. The professional goals have evolved, but the passion is the same.
Jennifer L. Tiggs
October 15, 2011
***iPhone image courtesy of http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRZO-_dRhKa38qM2XNFp-tarCGBfMWaXy-6U_IniCMFKu79jKm