It was a dream of mine to obtain a degree from Michigan State University. A dream that I never thought was possible. The flexibility and online format of the program made it possible. I was able to spread my focus between school, work, and family without feeling like I was giving one area more attention. One of the best things about being able to continue my education was being able to work at the same time. This was beneficial because I was able to implement right away the ideas and practices that I had learned in my classes. This gave me a more authentic experience and allowed me first-hand knowledge if these teaching strategies were right for my classroom or not.

​

      It is hard to believe that I have finally reached the end of my Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University. I took ten courses over the span of two and half years and as I get ready to start my fifth year of teaching, I am beyond proud of my accomplishment. As I reflect back over the courses I took, I realize that I have learned many valuable life skills and lessons.   

​

      One of the most important life skills that I have learned while pursing my degree is balancing my time. When I started the program, I had just gotten married and was in my first year of teaching. I struggled with how to spend my time adjusting to my new life. By completing my degree in an online format, I slowly learned how to balance my time between the important things in my life. One course that really taught me how to balance my time was the very first course I took in the program; ED 800. This course was self-paced, which meant no deadlines other than finishing by the end of the semester. I remember thinking “Awesome, I will knock this out no problem!” Man, was I wrong! I kept putting it off and putting it off. After a month, I finally got serious about getting the work done. I did not realize the amount of time and energy I was going to need to put in. There were quite a few things I missed that first semester; family dinner, time with friends, all because I thought I would be able to rock out some work last minute! This program has taught me what is important in life and how to make time for it all. As I close out my final semester, I look forward to taking this skill to the next level; raising my daughter and being a working wife and mother.

​

      Pursing my master’s degree has also provided me with confidence that I never knew I had. One course in particular sticks out when I think about confidence, CEP 832. This course was about educating students with challenging behavior. This course came at the perfect time in my career as a new teacher. I had a student at the time who had managed to push all my buttons to their breaking point. I wanted to give up; I did not know what else to do or how to help this student. I felt like I had failed as his teacher. This course showed me that everything I had done and was continuing to do for the student was the best that I could do with what support was given to me. It really made me feel good knowing that I do know best practices and how to help my students. CEP 832 along with other course has made me think deeper about instructional choices and spend more time thinking critically about the needs of my students. The MAED program has made me a better educator overall, a true 21st Century Educator, with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of all of my students.

​

      Something else that my master’s degree has taught me is how to have a more open mind when it comes to teaching. I have always considered myself a pretty open minded person. However, I see that I was open-minded only on certain subjects in life. My courses in the MAED program have helped me really consider different teaching methods and philosophies. Before I felt that I would almost blow off other views; not that I did not believe or feel there were other ways of thinking, it was more or less about me feeling judged on my views. Since completing my master’s degree, I have become more open and willing to share my views along with really listening and having a conversation about others point of view.

​

      One of my favorite courses in the program was CEP 843. The whole course was focused on autism spectrum disorders (ASD); an area that I find very interesting. Autism is so fascinating to me because it affects each individual in a different way. I have two students on my caseload that have both been diagnosed with ASD and these two children are so different from one another. I enjoyed this course so much because I was able to relate first-hand what I was learning back to my students. This course, along with others throughout the program, reminded me how much fun learning can be. I truly enjoyed my master’s degree because I was able to pick and choose what classes I wanted to take; therefore I was able to gain so much more out of each course. This was also another draw to the program.

​

      This past school year was extremely difficult. The school I work at got a new principal and she was not meshing well with the staff, especially the special education staff. It was like she had it out for us and we had no idea why. The new principal had the special education team at every building professional development and sometimes it was painful. It was painful from the view that the previous principal would dismiss us when she thought the content of the day was something that did not pertain to us. That was awesome because we could go work on something as a team. It was nice to have the extra time. When the new principal did not excuse us from any training days, I had a very hard time understanding why. Luckily for me, I was taking EAD 863, training and professional development.

​

      This was an extremely eye opening course. This course opened my eyes to what the principal and other district workers go through when preparing professional development. The purpose of this course was to develop knowledge of and skill in the design, development, and delivery of training and professional development programs for working adults in various occupational settings.

​

      This program has given me the confidence I was lacking in my career as a teacher. I feel more confident when talking with my team or parents. I feel more confident in myself as teacher; that I am making the right decision for my students and that I am truly teaching them! It has given me the tools to continue my passion teaching students with specials needs. As I am ending my program and I keep saying to friends and family “Finally no more homework!” part of me is sad. As a life-long learner and someone who wants to continually strive to be the best teacher I can be, I know that my life will never be homework free. This journey has made me realize just how much I am capable of personally and professionally. I believe I have transformed into an effective educator and I am excited to see what the next step in my educational future will be.