I did it! After dedicating over three decades to teaching and repeatedly uttering the word ‘Never’ in relation to pursuing a Master’s Degree, I can proudly say that I’ve accomplished it. Not only did I earn my Master’s, but I also secured an additional ESL endorsement on my teaching license. In the spring, in a full cap and gown, I will receive my diploma…something I have not done since 1988! When I initially started my teaching journey, a Master’s Degree wasn’t deemed crucial by many. So, I held off. I convinced myself that I didn’t really need it. Financial constraints entered the picture when I got married, making it a practical conversation. Affording it seemed impossible, and even if I did manage, the compensation wouldn’t have made a significant difference, not to mention the lengthy time it would take to recover the expenses. Thus, I pushed the idea out of my mind. About a year and a half ago, my network presented teachers with the opportunity to join a cohort and attain an ESL endorsement. Intrigued, I took the chance. The experience not only enriched my teaching methods but also brought to light a level of expertise that I had forgotten I possessed, benefiting younger teachers. Upon completion, I found myself yearning for more. I decided it was time to do something for myself, something solely for me. I enrolled in additional classes, covering the costs myself, to pursue my Master’s Degree. It turned out to be a transformative journey, enhancing not only my teaching skills but also my coaching practice. I gained certifications as a mediator and a certified divorce and family mediator. I delved into the realm of video production, enriching both my business and teaching methods. This phase of my life feels like a manifestation of my dreams and the achievement of goals I once thought were impossible. So much has changed, and I’m eager to embrace the upcoming year filled with even more greatness! Peace, #tutulady #forwardisapace
Reflection. As a part of my video creation class we were tasked with writing a reflection at the end of the class. I reflect on my learning journey in this course, I am filled with excitement and a newfound sense of empowerment. Two crucial lessons stand out, which I know will significantly impact my future work as a teacher. Embracing a Growth Mindset: Throughout this course, I learned the value of trying new things and embracing a growth mindset. Learning to create videos and integrating them into my teaching was initially daunting, but I discovered that learning is a trial and error process. The feeling of success that follows after overcoming challenges and frustrations is truly exhilarating. This mindset shift will be an integral part of my future work as an educator. I will encourage my students to adopt a growth mindset and approach learning with a sense of curiosity and determination. By fostering an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, I believe my students will develop greater resilience and enthusiasm for learning. Green Screen Videos for Reading Confidence: One thing I’m eager to incorporate into my classroom is green screen videos. As an ELA teacher, the potential of having students read picture books and create videos for younger grades excites me. This creative approach not only bolsters students’ reading confidence but also enhances their self-esteem as they take on the role of storytellers. Utilizing green screen technology will immerse them in captivating virtual settings, making the learning process enjoyable and engaging. These videos can serve as powerful teaching tools for younger students, inspiring a love for reading while strengthening the bond between older and younger learners. Moving forward, there are still specific aspects I wish to learn to further enhance my teaching and video integration skills. Advanced Video Editing Techniques:To make the most of green screen videos and create professional-looking content, I want to learn advanced video editing techniques. This includes refining transitions, adding visual effects, and improving the overall quality of the videos. I plan to explore video editing software that will help me master these skills as well as explore editing software to make this more accessible for students. Assessing Video Impact on Student Learning: While creating videos is exciting, I want to learn more about how to assess the impact of these videos on student learning outcomes. Understanding how to measure the effectiveness of video integration will allow me to continually improve my teaching methods and tailor the content to better meet my students’ needs. During this course, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could achieve on my own, despite my initial lack of video acumen. Through patience, perseverance, and the support of this learning community as well as an encouraging instructor, I learned valuable lessons about the creative process. I discovered that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for, which has boosted my confidence as an educator and video creator. As for something I wish was covered more in this course, I would have loved to explore ways to address digital literacy challenges among students. While we focused on video creation, understanding the responsible and ethical use of technology is vital in today’s digital age. Incorporating digital literacy lessons into video creation could prepare students to navigate the digital world responsibly. In conclusion, this course has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills and mindset needed to innovate in my teaching practice. I am excited to integrate green screen videos into my classroom and witness the positive impact on my students’ reading confidence. I am also eager to continue my learning journey, mastering advanced video editing techniques, and finding ways to assess the effectiveness of video integration in promoting student learning. Through these efforts, I am committed to empowering my students and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Peace. #tutulady #forwardisapace
Kristine Binder 