"IF you don't know where you are going, you'll end up somewhere else." -- Yogi BerraOverview: Welcome back to my blog! In this post, I’ll discuss my future career plans and goals (I’m so excited)! I’ll also break down what I’m planning on posting next in the upcoming weeks.
Note: Please know that my career path is not the same as every teacher. Every teacher has a different specialty and different path, aspirations, and goals. To subscribe, click the button below and go to the right side bar!
So. . . I’m taking a little break from researching and all of the heavy-subject content.
Instead, I’m going to balance things out by writing under the “My Experiences” mini-series of this blog! So, I thought I would update you on my experiences and what I have planned for the next few years. CollegeBefore I discuss my goals for my undergraduate degree, I’ll give you some background. . .
This fall, I will be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota Duluth where I am majoring in Unified Early Childhood Studies and minoring in Hispanic Studies. My major will train me to get a license both in early childhood education and special education. I am also a member of my university’s honors society or program, which means that I can graduate with honors if I fulfill the appropriate requirements. For more information, visit the "About" page. Here are some of my goals/things I want to accomplish during my next few years in college:
Let me break down some of these goals. Study abroad/student teach abroad: I hope to study abroad/student teach abroad to learn more about other cultures, to learn about the education system in different countries, and to introduce myself to the concept of teaching abroad. Also, studying abroad in Spain is a necessary step to complete my Spanish minor. Complete my Hispanic Studies (Spanish) minor: Going into college, I knew I wanted to earn a Spanish minor for two reasons: it will be helpful in the field as a teacher and I want to become fluent in a second language. Although I wish I could strive for a Hispanic Studies minor, I will not have enough space in my schedule to complete it. :( Graduate with honors: It is much more difficult to graduate with honors at UMD than it was at my high school because in high school, I needed to only achieve a certain GPA. At UMD, there are a variety of other requirements you must complete over the course of your four years to officially graduate with honors. With the honors programs requirements, student teaching, and my major's other requirements, it will be difficult to complete them all. However, I hope to push through and do my best, so I can eventually graduate with honors. Post-GraduationAfter I graduate, I hope to go down one of two paths: apply to the Fulbright Program or get a starting teaching position. Here's the breakdown:
Fulbright Program According to their website, "The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and graduate students." The goal of the program is to provide graduates with opportunities to create partnerships abroad and gain educational experiences in different cultures. By applying to the Fulbright Program, I can become eligible to receive a variety of different grants. The one that I am interested in the "English Teaching Assistant Award." With this award, I will be able to go abroad to assist an English teacher in their classroom. I would apply to work in a Spanish-speaking country. To learn more about this program, click here Starting Teaching Position If I don't get accepted to the Fulbright Program or my plans change down the road, I will most likely take the steps to get a starting teaching position. These include getting my teacher's license and certification (to learn more, visit last week's post) and applying to teaching positions in Minnesota. I do not know how long I plan on holding this position, but it is a good place to start my career as a teacher and to get experience after I get my license. My Career GoalsThese goals may change, but these are some things I currently want to accomplish during my career:
Above all, I would love to teach in a foreign country. This would allow me to experience another culture, become fluent in another language (preferably Spanish), and pursue my love for travel. If you have any recommendations or experience with any of the things ideas above, leave me a comment!
What to expect -- Future ContentWant to know what I will post about next? Check out the list below!
Want to make a recommendation for future content? Click here to fill out a short content survey! Leave me a comment!If you like this post, have any questions, or have ideas on how I can improve my blog, leave me a comment below! Your input is always appreciated. As always, thank you for your support!
Sources/Additional ResourcesClick on the links below to explore the sources mentioned in this post!
About Page
Fulbright Program/Scholarship/Awards TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Course and Certification Purchase "50 Myths and Lies that Threaten America's Public Schools" Content Survey Take Action. Start the Conversation. Be the Change.
2 Comments
Colleen
6/30/2020 01:26:42 pm
Meghan, I am so impressed and proud of your goals! You are amazing!
Paul
6/30/2020 08:06:15 pm
I love your ambition and I’m impressed by how you look ahead! The Fulbright is extremely competitive, but you are building the kind of academic, involvement and experiential record that could make it possible. Stay focused on your goals and you can make them happen! Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMeghan Hesterman (she/her) is a child advocate and education blogger. While a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), she created Journal of a Future Teacher to share her journey in becoming an early childhood teacher. Categories
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