Since my career goals are subject to change as I traverse through the program, I anticipate making changes to this page frequently.  Moreover, the more I learn about research, methodology, and theories, and the more exposure I receive to academia, the greater the likelihood of my goals becoming refined.



Influences



















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​Teaching: Since my background is in teaching, I do not see my career landing too far from that path.  I enjoy sharing knowledge with others.  As a graduate assistant working with the Archway Partnership, I’ve come to enjoy consulting with teachers about student-centered teaching practices, innovative uses of technology, and organizational suggestions.  In the positions that I anticipate looking for, I will undoubtedly desire to have opportunities to train both in-service and pre-service teachers.  I would also appreciate opportunities to conduct research with those teachers when they are out in the field.​



Urban Education: Another factor influencing my decision is my goal of being involved in a large, urban school district.  The reasons I became an educator was to provide help to disadvantaged areas.  I’m familiar with the struggles of urban education.  Furthermore, I’m prepared to work at finding solutions to the problems that occur.  The careers that I will look for are positions that intend to place educators in urban classrooms.  I would be excited at the opportunity to start an urban education program within a university as well.​



K-12 Connection: With any position available, I will look for a strong connection between the position and the classroom.  My research will be focused on K-12 classrooms and in-service teachers.  I anticipate a position where I will be able to work with pre-service teachers at the university, and establish a connection between my students and the struggles of the local schools.  This connection would not only contribute to my research, but also solve immediate issues that the schools are facing.​



​Focus on Technology: My core desire is creating authentic, engaging learning environments.  However, if I can add technology to that environment successfully, my goals would be met.  I do not consider technology to be the goal, but authentic learning, made possible through technology.  Even in disadvantaged areas, students are getting access to technology in some form.  In fact, the trend has shown that even more students will have access to technology once my program is complete.  I would look for a position where I would be able to show pre-service and in-service teachers innovative uses of technology to promote student-centered learning.​





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Rationale for Career Listings



I have listed three faculty positions at universities in large, urban districts.  Since I prefer to merge my research with urban education, I would prefer to work in the school district of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, or Washington D.C.  The university should have a vision to connect faculty with local, urban secondary schools.  While I have not listed other career positions beyond academia, I would be open to considering options in the private sector, where I would be in a position to mentor educators.