One might assume that the process of obtaining one’s master’s results in a satisfying conclusion, one which neatly wraps up ideas and concepts learned throughout the course of the program. While satisfaction will surely be felt, I truly believe it has only further ignited in me the desire to learn more. Upon my impending graduation in May of 2017, there are still many goals left for me to obtain after that. Of course I intend to use my skills and strengths, along with the new information gained, to get promoted. Regardless of what that may look like—and the timeline that will follow—I will also continue to be proactive in my learning. Nearing the end of my Master of Arts in Education degree, I have landed upon three topics that I am looking to proceed learning more about and in more depth: Leadership, Diversity, and Adult Learning. Working at a community college, these three topics and a vast knowledge of them will surely be beneficial not only to myself, but to those around me.
Out of many classes I had to take throughout this program, there was one class that specifically spoke to leadership. Even though this class highlighted leadership amongst and for teachers in the traditional K-12 setting, it proved to be extremely valuable for me. Unlike a K-12 school system where there is the usual Principal and Vice Principal format, a community college has varying levels of leadership positions: Managers, Assistant Directors, Directors, the Registrar, Deans, Department Chairs, Vice Presidents, and ultimately, the President. With an open mind of what my future may hold, the truth remains the same as far as what good leadership entails. Because of that, I am looking to continue learning more about what that looks like, especially in relation to a post-secondary institutional setting. One way in which I plan on keeping up to date and/or informed is by watching Ted Talks. These presentations are often inspiring and informational, giving the viewer—me—a chance to stay connected with what’s relevant and important, especially in regards to leadership.
Another common theme learned throughout earning my master's has been on the topic of diversity and multiculturalism. The community college I work at has recently established a grant funded department (Center for Diversity and Innovation) which focuses on integrating collaborative partnerships within the community in order to establish a more equitable city. Working at a community college—with an emphasis on the word community—it’s important that we connect and relate to the community in which we reside. Fostering these relationships will not only benefit the college as a whole, but I also believe it will make me a better and more understanding individual. A goal of mine is to be able to participate in a White Men and Allies Learning Lab, a 3.5 day workshop that aims to bridge gaps, transform peoples' understanding, while also looking to understand systemic issues and how they affect a community and/or work environment.
The last topic I will be seeking more information about after earning my master's is in regards to adult learning. I have taken a couple of classes (Adult Career Development and Concepts of Learning Society) through this journey of mine and obtained a plethora of valuable knowledge. However, this topic is very general, meaning it will take great discipline and focus on my part to dedicate the time and energy to study and research the specifics and intricacies of adult learning and all it entails. Working at a community college we have many adult learners: students who have decided to come back to school after raising a family, students who need a job change, students whose lives have been hard and they need to get on the right path, so on and so forth. With that in mind, it's a bit of a challenge to reach all of these students where they are and/or their needs are. It takes a multi-faceted approach but one that must be ground in a solid foundation. This foundation will come through the research I plan on doing via the internet, with resources such as CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) and Adult Career Pathways. Websites and organizations such as these will provide me with the utensils and information necessary to move forward in my quest for knowledge on adult learning.
As one can easily see, the learning certainly does not end at the date in which my master's is conferred. With a future in post-secondary education it's necessary that I continue my pursuit and passion for more knowledge, especially in regards to the topics of leadership, diversity and multiculturalism, and adult learning. I intend to learn more about leadership in order to make myself more marketable. I will do this by staying up to date on Ted Talks, staying informed and connected with the current goings-on in educational leadership. I also believe it's necessary in my position in a community college atmosphere to be more well rounded in the area of diversity and multiculturalism. I can aspire to be better by attending a White Men and Allies Learning Lab. Lastly, it's integral that I keep up to date on the numerous aspects of adult learning and all it entails and how it may (or may not change.) Resources (and websites) such as CAEL and Adult Career Pathways will help me greatly in this aspect. Overall, even though the finish line is in sight for my master's degree, my desire to continue learning will keep me running far past that destination.
Resources:
Adult Career Pathways
http://www.adultcareerpathways.org/resources.php
CAEL
Ted Talks
https://www.ted.com/topics/education
White Men and Allies Learning Lab
http://wmfdp.com/learning-labs/