Developing a Passion for Learning
By Scott Repicky
¨In times of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves beautifully equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.¨ - Eric Hoffer*
When I began applying to the Master´s program two years ago, I wanted to find a way to continue to grow and develop as an educator. This program has met those expectations and has developed within me a passion for learning.
When I applied to this program, I was in need of gaining more experience and knowledge in the fields of education and leadership. When I started my program in the fall of 2010, I also moved to a new position as a fourth grade teacher and grade level leader at the International School of Luxembourg. The great thing about having this position was that I was able to take the theory and examples from my classes and apply them to my position. Without my courses in leadership, I would have had a slower and harder development as a leader.
What my courses have instilled in me is the desire to never stop learning. When I began this program, to be honest, I couldn´t tell you the last time I read a book for professional purposes. I now find myself enjoying reading books for professional purposes during my vacations. As an educator, I now see my education as never being complete. There are and will always be new things for me to learn and reflect on.
During my program, I initially had a sole focus on developing as a leader. However, while thinking about education and its future, I also saw the need to develop my knowledge of technology and its application to the classroom. My courses at MSU have demonstrated to me several tools, such as using a Wiki or a blog, that I am now currently using with my students in the classroom. I have also been challenged to think of when using technology is appropriate. Finally, these courses have also made me think about and consider where the future of technology is heading and how it will play a role in education.
From all of these things that I have now considered because of these courses, I have seen that as an educator, my biggest asset is going to be the ability to adapt and change. If you stay the same and do the same things and teach the same way throughout your career, you will and your students will be left behind. The world is constantly changing and the world inside the classroom is no different. For me, the key to avoiding stagnation is developing a passion for learning. The more I am able to educate myself is the key to me becoming a successful leader and educator in schools.
*Quote taken from Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement by R. DuFour and R. Eaker (1998)
When I began applying to the Master´s program two years ago, I wanted to find a way to continue to grow and develop as an educator. This program has met those expectations and has developed within me a passion for learning.
When I applied to this program, I was in need of gaining more experience and knowledge in the fields of education and leadership. When I started my program in the fall of 2010, I also moved to a new position as a fourth grade teacher and grade level leader at the International School of Luxembourg. The great thing about having this position was that I was able to take the theory and examples from my classes and apply them to my position. Without my courses in leadership, I would have had a slower and harder development as a leader.
What my courses have instilled in me is the desire to never stop learning. When I began this program, to be honest, I couldn´t tell you the last time I read a book for professional purposes. I now find myself enjoying reading books for professional purposes during my vacations. As an educator, I now see my education as never being complete. There are and will always be new things for me to learn and reflect on.
During my program, I initially had a sole focus on developing as a leader. However, while thinking about education and its future, I also saw the need to develop my knowledge of technology and its application to the classroom. My courses at MSU have demonstrated to me several tools, such as using a Wiki or a blog, that I am now currently using with my students in the classroom. I have also been challenged to think of when using technology is appropriate. Finally, these courses have also made me think about and consider where the future of technology is heading and how it will play a role in education.
From all of these things that I have now considered because of these courses, I have seen that as an educator, my biggest asset is going to be the ability to adapt and change. If you stay the same and do the same things and teach the same way throughout your career, you will and your students will be left behind. The world is constantly changing and the world inside the classroom is no different. For me, the key to avoiding stagnation is developing a passion for learning. The more I am able to educate myself is the key to me becoming a successful leader and educator in schools.
*Quote taken from Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement by R. DuFour and R. Eaker (1998)