Last spring I applied to MSU’s Master of Arts in Education, or MAED, program and one year later I am ready to graduate. I honestly never knew if I would get my Master’s or not, but the longer I taught the more I realized I still had a lot to learn. My undergrad at MSU prepared me for a lot of things, but I still desired more knowledge. I entered the MAED program with three primary goals. First, I had taught inclusion classes before and felt like a fish out of water. I did not know what to do. I wanted to learn everything I could about teaching students with disabilities. My second goal was to become a better coach. I love baseball and I enjoy teaching the game to students. In a way, coaching is just an extension of my teaching. I just have a different classroom. The third goal I entered the MAED program with was to build a toolbox of technologies that I could implement in the classroom. With these three goals in mind, I began my journey towards a Master’s last summer with a concentration in Special Education and Sport Leadership and Coaching.
Over the course of this past year, my goals have remained constant. I am still striving to become the best teacher for all of my students, including those with disabilities. If anything changed regarding my first goal, its that this past year has strengthened my resolve to continue learning well after this experience in the MAED program is over. My experience this past year in the classroom was enlightening. It showed me that I was really not well equipped to teach all of students and that is not fair to them. Throughout the year, I implemented techniques and strategies learned in the program and saw instant changes. This past year reaffirmed my love of teaching students and sharing the knowledge that I have. The courses I have taken in special education have provided me with invaluable insight, knowledge, resources, and a learning community that will continue to benefit me in the years to come.
While I am a teacher in the classroom first, I am also a teacher on a ball field. Over the past year, I have become a better coach. The courses in sport leadership and coaching have given me the confidence I need to be a successful coach. I entered the MAED program as a head junior varsity coach. I exit the program applying for head varsity coaching jobs. Prior to this program I wanted to be an assistant varsity coach. I did not want the responsibility of being the man in charge. Now, I want the ball when the game is on the line, I want to be in charge, I want to make decisions that will win or lose games for us. Learning in this community has given me the courage to step up to the plate. The program and coursework have given me the opportunity to learn from professionals at the U.S. Olympic Committee and experts at professional organizations like the U.S. Tennis Association. I have built a knowledge base that will make me a successful coach as I continue pursuing my passion of teaching baseball.
I leave the MAED program a more knowledgeable, confident, and inspired teacher. I have improved the education of my students and my colleagues. I look forward to continuing my education next fall as I begin work on my next Master’s degree. Last year I did not even know if I wanted to get my Master’s, but by the time I reach thirty, I will have two. The learning community I have immersed myself in has given me the confidence and skills to be a lifelong learner.