IDT Positions

Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there. Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promo, etc.).

Next, describe the kind of work that you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Based on these chapters, briefly describe what your strong competencies are and what areas you want/need to improve, and explain what you need to learn. Then, discuss how you will obtain the skills you need through this degree program (Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations?) 

My current job title is Instructional Media Specialist. I am enrolled in the Educational Technology and Library Sciences Degree with School Librarian Certification. In my current role, I am responsible for instructional technology integration and support at three campuses as well as all the library responsibilities at those three campuses. I do have a paraprofessional who I monitor and evaluate, who helps the days I cannot be on campus. Another major responsibility of mine, is creating and implementing professional developments and trainings for teachers and staff at the district level. I really enjoy my job; however, I miss the student interaction. (I work more on the professional development and PLC side for multiple campuses.) I would love to be a school librarian and work hand in hand with teachers and interact more with students. Eventually, I would like to be a professor at a university and help teach future teachers or be a mentor teacher. I honestly do not know what or where I will be in the next 5 years, however I know that this is something I am currently enjoying and would like to pursue in a district that values more roles better. (What I mean by that is, if instructional technology and library sciences was valued, I wouldn’t have to do both jobs on 3 separate campuses all by myself.)

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not? How will knowledge gained from these chapters apply to your career planning above and beyond what you are learning from your graduate study?

I was recently invited to join The National Society of Leadership and Success. This is an honors fraternity/society that focuses on building leaders and the community. So far, I have been invited to participate in group meetings that help you focus on your career building skills. This society has been very helpful for me, to realize my full potential and it also opens opportunities for me to attend keynote speakers and learn more about different fields. This has really been an honor to be a part of. I also, have been looking into more opportunities for high education, such as getting my administrative leadership certification from SMU. I’m not sure where my future career or plans will lead me, but I’m hoping to have enough experience to help support me in those goals.

I have also been involved in educational technology conferences including TCEA and ISTE. Going to these conferences has given me the opportunity to be a member in these organizations, only for the years that I went to conferences. However, I was able to take away some information and webinars that I do believe give me a leg up in my field.