I began the MSEd Information Technology Program in 2010 to fulfill the Teacher's Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) requirement that I finish a Master's program in order to renew my teaching license. Along the way, I skipped a year and then had to apply for an extension in order to finish. In 2016, the TSPC requirement changed. No Master's required. Finishing became an exercise in perseverance.

 

The truth is that I do not think I would have been able to successfully execute my job for the past seven years without the skills and knowledge gained in the program. I learned how to design instructional materials all over again, which helped me in the content area classes I taught. I gained technology skills that enabled me to communicate standardized content to over 45 teachers and over 1000 students as I managed the school wide career development program. And I was able to pass on screen-casting skills to teen parents so that they could produce videos about resources available to them in our community. And I became a much improved writer.

 

Now, ironically, as I finish the Info Tech program I am about to retire from teaching. I am not sure what the future holds. At one point, I thought I would pursue contract work with the Department of Education. Now I am not so sure. As I walk through my 65th year, gardening, taking pictures and hanging out with grandsons all look pretty good.

​

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mary Bucy and Greg Zobel. Without their outstanding professional expertise and incredibly kind support, I would not have finished the program.