Introduction
My pursuit of a degree in Education with a concentration in Administration and Leadership is instrumental in shaping my career path and in my ability to achieve success at a high level. This specialization will provide me with the knowledge base and resources that are necessary to improve an organization’s achievement and potential at a high level. The Education Specialist role also provides an opportunity to excel in a specific role within education and the ability to utilize research effectively to achieve the desired outcomes (Walden University, 2013). There are a variety of important issues that have a direct impact on students across all age groups; therefore, this specialization will identify feasible alternatives that may make an important difference in the lives of these students as they grow and mature (Walden University, 2013). Finally, this role offers a means of motivating students and enabling them to thrive in these roles while enjoying an environment that stimulates learning at a high level (Walden University, 2013).
Body
As an educational student, it is important to establish relationships with fellow students and colleagues in order to identify critical problems and to develop effective solutions that will have a lasting impact over the long term. This reflects the importance of open communication to develop creative problem-solving techniques and methods of working with students that will strongly encourage their growth and maturity over time. This will also increase camaraderie and strength within the educational setting so that students will experience a greater sense of unity and strength in their coursework.
One strategy to consider is the use of technology to increase collaboration, using tools such as social media in the appropriate manner in order to get important messages across that will support student learning. The use of technology also facilitates access to a wide variety of research articles and other tools that may inspire creativity and the identification of a clear message to expand the learning curve. Technology provides a platform upon which it is possible to identify a message and to communicate it to students and the community in a cost effective and efficient manner.
Another strategy to consider is the development of discussion groups in which colleagues are able to identify issues of importance and discuss them face to face to develop solutions. These discussion groups also enable individuals to get to know each other and to identify different perspectives regarding issues that will have an impact on their work. These discussion groups must emphasize some of the modern trends within the educational system and the community that may have considerable influence on decision-making, as knowledge of these situations will play a critical role in shaping a dynamic that will likely improve outcomes and optimize the learning curve. Furthermore, these discussion groups will identify areas where overall performance might improve and influence outcomes for students.
My degree pathway will enable me to identify strategies to provide support and guidance to students who may not have the self-confidence or self-esteem that will motivate them to succeed at a high level. Therefore, I must examine different areas where this subject is relevant and identify different options to expand students’ knowledge base (Capraro & Thompson, 2008). It is important to utilize prior research in order to develop this practice because this information establishes the tone for achieving the desired outcomes and in developing relationships with students that are both constructive and supportive at the same time. This strategy will enhance my communication skills and provide me with inspiration and creativity in order to facilitate improved performance by students.
From a personal perspective, I am a very passionate person and want to do my best in every situation; therefore, I must continue to develop relationships that enable me to grow and thrive as a human being and also learn from these exchanges throughout my life. This knowledge will support my ability to work in the educational field in a successful manner and to make a difference in the lives of students.
From a professional perspective, my ability to achieve success is also dependent on my understanding of the challenges of the educational environment and how to optimize the information that students receive. My degree will provide me with opportunities to utilize prior research and to develop my own research questions in different areas to ensure that I possess the skills and knowledge that are required to facilitate effective results (Dowd, 2013). In addition, I believe that by learning about how to work effectively with students, there will be additional opportunities for growth and development that will impact my career path over the long term. I continue to explore new options to improve my knowledge base and to recognize that education is not only about learning, but also about motivation and passion in all areas.
Conclusion
Pursuing an advanced degree in education with a focus on administration and leadership requires a strong understanding of the challenges that this field brings for students across many age groups. Therefore, I believe in providing a compassionate and motivating environment in which to educate students and to be cognizant of any issues or problems that my students might experience, as this will promote a supportive learning climate and an opportunity to expand knowledge at a high level. These factors are both personally and professionally motivating and support my ambitions to improve the educational system and the students who learn within this environment.
- Capraro, R.M., & Thompson, B. (2008). The educational researcher defined: what will future researchers be trained to do? The Journal of Educational Research, 101(4), 247-253, 256.
- Dowd, M. (2013). Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. Degree in higher education. Retrieved from
http://education.seattlepi.com/edd-vs-phd-degree-higher-education-1220.html - Walden University (2013). Which program is right for you? Retrieved from
https://www.waldenu.edu/colleges-schools/riley-college-of-education/academic-programs/which-program
