Reflection+of+Program


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**Reflection of Program** In May of 2010 a mass email was sent out from our business office with basic information about this program and who to get in contact with in order to obtain more information. I am so thankful that I decided to read that email rather than delete it.

Obtaining my masters had always been a goal of mine but I was not sure how I was going to get that accomplished after having children. The flexibility of the online format is the primary reason I decided to enroll in this program. Years ago I had taken an online course and new that I would have the discipline it would take to complete the courses, yet I was concerned about the five week time frame. I am the type of person that likes to have time to think things through thoroughly and at times I think that the five week time constraint was taxing for me. However, in reflecting on it now I am glad that it did not take longer than the eighteen months to complete the degree.

Throughout the majority of the courses the expectations and assignments were generally spelled out clearly and concisely. There were a few times when I needed clarification on the requirements for an assignment. Most of these instances occurred while taking the courses that were also a part of the Educational Administration program. At times it was difficult for me to “switch gears” to the administration side of thinking.

I must admit that I was initially irritated when the program was changed mid-stream to allow for principal certification due to the fact that two of the technology courses were taken out of the program requirements. However, I have now come to see this change as a blessing in disguise for me. I have become interested in the inner workings of the public school system and may one day need the additional principal certification in order to keep or acquire a new job in this changing educational climate. I feel that knowing more about school law, what drives the budgets, curriculum, accountability, personnel decisions etc. has become an important part of who I am as an educator and will make me a better educator.

Completing this program opened up new doors for me that I did not know I wanted to go through. I honestly thought that I would just “learn a little more” about technology through the program and it turned out to be so much more. I have made new connections with colleagues that will last a lifetime and now have a much broader knowledge base from which to build upon in the years to come.