This semester has been one of the most challenging semesters of learning I have endured. As an educator, I have seen many changes and challenges due to the lack of funding in education across the nation. The demands that had to be made including budget cuts, reduced resources, and a reduction in staff, caused many educators like myself to have to give forth more effort, energy, time, and resources of our own to fulfill the job. The pressures of the job in combination with being a mother to a two-year-old, wife, and enrolled in the accelerated ADL program came with a lot of challenges.

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My cohort and peers served as a tremendous support system throughout both EDLD 5313 and EDLD 5303. The constant communication allowed me to gain insight from other professionals with different backgrounds and knowledge in areas that differed from mine. Time management is a must to be successful in this program of study. One strategy that I found that worked well for me was completing discussion questions as early as I could. The ability to post and respond to others allowed me to read more posts from peers filled with information for me to digest and reflect on in my innovation plan and learning. During the class meetings, I liked to contribute to the conversation because it was always relevant to things that have happened in my classroom. During professional development at the beginning of the academic school year, my campus content area received training on backward planning. When we had assignments and collaborative discussions on that topic I felt that it was all intentional to help with accurately completing the assignments. Noting that the course felt like busy work and all assignments were intentional and served a meaningful purpose.

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I believe I earned 95/100 points for EDLD 5313 and 97/100 points for EDLD 5303. EDLD 5313 was one of the more rigorous courses I have taken and required me to attend the weekly meetings, read the assigned readings, reread readings, and consult with my peers via GroupMe and video chat for input and help. I always made sure to complete all the assignments to the best of my ability. In 2022, I received an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Lamar. When I compare the two programs they drastically differ in the best ways. The course in this degree encourages collaboration and the use of resources. These assignments are given, however, the creative freedom allows me to push myself creatively and try to incorporate new elements I have never used. The autonomy to take ownership of learning is on us as the consumers of learning. 

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The accelerated program is a program that requires us to practice what we preach in terms of having a growth mindset and possessing grit. Throughout my educational journey, I have always been a high-achieving student who easily completed and comprehended assignments. Throughout EDLD 5313, I found myself being challenged and giving my best and not always receiving the grade I thought I would. In the past, I felt that not getting the grades I desired would have been perceived as defeat, but by taking on a growth mindset, I believe I can gain the knowledge and tools to do better on future assignments and courses throughout the ADL program. The feedback was one of my favorite aspects. Through that and reflection, I was able to make my ePortfolio better and make the most of my learning.

 

EDLD 5303 has been my favorite course thus far! The weekly collaborative discussions with small collaborative groups were amazing and assisted in building lasting professional learning communities. The conversations that were had with my group and I were always on topic but felt so natural. The insights and testimonials from events that happened in their classrooms let me know that we all as educators face similar struggles but find ways to persevere. During our collaborative conversation within our small group, we chose to step out of our comfort zone and use a new platform, Padlet, for our discussions. Although it came with challenges, we figured it out and had fun doing it.

 

As I continue to add to my ePortfolio, I can continually edit my assignments and revise my site as I complete and submit work. Moving forward I know I will be able to conquer the courses and assignments ahead. With the help of my professors, peers, family, and colleagues, I believe I will be very successful throughout this ADL program.