From Clinician to Educator: A Reflective Essay
by Jen Barr
Two years ago, I sat down to write a statement of my professional goals. I did this with some apprehension, because I knew that this piece of writing could affect the application process I had started with Michigan State University. I did some research on goal statements and read through several examples before deciding that not only was this a professional statement, but it was a personal statement, as well. I knew that I wanted to teach. I had had some student teaching experience and I loved every minute of it. And I knew that I needed more. I felt that I had some natural talent, but I needed to learn what it really means to teach. I had to know what methods, strategies, and theories were out there. I wanted to know what I could learn and then bring to the classroom. As a newly hired part-time faculty member, I felt that I had an obligation to be the best instructor that I could be to best serve my students. They needed me to know what I was doing and to employ strategies and ways of learning that would benefit them the most. I had been very fortunate in my education journey to learn from many incredible instructors and I want to give my students the same experience.
This was essentially what I described in that essay. I wanted to convey the drive I had to become an excellent educator. I was a successful private practice clinician. I was knowledgeable in my field and had many experiences that I could share with students. I didn't quite know how to translate this into teaching, however, therefore my goals were learn how to teach, essentially. I wanted to learn how to work adult students, and specifically, what their needs might be. Another important goal was to learn to incorporate technology into my classroom. I had some basic experience with technology but knew that there were tools out there that could enhance my teaching. I knew that many of my students would have experience with and enjoy using technology, however I would have to mindful of those who had limited experience, as well. I wanted to know how to manage these different levels of learners.
As I consider these goals and the last eighteen months that I have spent engaged in my graduate coursework, I realize that I have had the unique opportunity to meet these goals. I have had an amazing experience surrounded by incredibly talented professors and classmates. I have been exposed to texts, articles, lectures, videos, and other material in which I have the opportunity to learn and reflect upon teaching and learning. I have engaged in more types of technology than I really even knew existed. And, most importantly, I have had many opportunities to direct apply what I was learning in my own classroom. I have gotten out of this program what I had expected to and I am fortunate for that. I feel confident in my approach with students and have learned how to reach different types of learners. As with most things, though, I still have much to learn. I feel that I have the tools to continue upon my educational journey, however, and that I will be successful in that endeavor.
Two years ago, I had one central goal in mind: to teach full-time. I knew that I wanted to become a full-time faculty member and possible a program director in the future. I knew that in order to achieve these goals, I would have to work hard, learn, and become the best educator that I could be. I have not wavered in this goal. I feel as strongly about it now as I did then. I will continue to learn, seek new knowledge, and better myself and my methods in my efforts to achieve this goal.
Image from Flicker Creative Commons, owner Doey_
by Jen Barr
Two years ago, I sat down to write a statement of my professional goals. I did this with some apprehension, because I knew that this piece of writing could affect the application process I had started with Michigan State University. I did some research on goal statements and read through several examples before deciding that not only was this a professional statement, but it was a personal statement, as well. I knew that I wanted to teach. I had had some student teaching experience and I loved every minute of it. And I knew that I needed more. I felt that I had some natural talent, but I needed to learn what it really means to teach. I had to know what methods, strategies, and theories were out there. I wanted to know what I could learn and then bring to the classroom. As a newly hired part-time faculty member, I felt that I had an obligation to be the best instructor that I could be to best serve my students. They needed me to know what I was doing and to employ strategies and ways of learning that would benefit them the most. I had been very fortunate in my education journey to learn from many incredible instructors and I want to give my students the same experience.
This was essentially what I described in that essay. I wanted to convey the drive I had to become an excellent educator. I was a successful private practice clinician. I was knowledgeable in my field and had many experiences that I could share with students. I didn't quite know how to translate this into teaching, however, therefore my goals were learn how to teach, essentially. I wanted to learn how to work adult students, and specifically, what their needs might be. Another important goal was to learn to incorporate technology into my classroom. I had some basic experience with technology but knew that there were tools out there that could enhance my teaching. I knew that many of my students would have experience with and enjoy using technology, however I would have to mindful of those who had limited experience, as well. I wanted to know how to manage these different levels of learners.
As I consider these goals and the last eighteen months that I have spent engaged in my graduate coursework, I realize that I have had the unique opportunity to meet these goals. I have had an amazing experience surrounded by incredibly talented professors and classmates. I have been exposed to texts, articles, lectures, videos, and other material in which I have the opportunity to learn and reflect upon teaching and learning. I have engaged in more types of technology than I really even knew existed. And, most importantly, I have had many opportunities to direct apply what I was learning in my own classroom. I have gotten out of this program what I had expected to and I am fortunate for that. I feel confident in my approach with students and have learned how to reach different types of learners. As with most things, though, I still have much to learn. I feel that I have the tools to continue upon my educational journey, however, and that I will be successful in that endeavor.
Two years ago, I had one central goal in mind: to teach full-time. I knew that I wanted to become a full-time faculty member and possible a program director in the future. I knew that in order to achieve these goals, I would have to work hard, learn, and become the best educator that I could be. I have not wavered in this goal. I feel as strongly about it now as I did then. I will continue to learn, seek new knowledge, and better myself and my methods in my efforts to achieve this goal.
Image from Flicker Creative Commons, owner Doey_