PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Brooke Hudson - IL 574- UWA
Where Am I Now?
I am currently working as the Jobs for Alabama's Graduates Specialist in Morgan County Schools. I have previously worked as an elementary school librarian and an elementary school teacher.
What experiences have I had in my professional life?
In my professional life I have had numerous opportunities. I was recognized as the 2017 Tennessee Valley Reading Council's Reading Teacher of the Year. I was also given the opportunity to participate in the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology's Alabama Technology Integration Certification (ALTIC) Program.
What is my current level of education?
I currently hold the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Masters of Science in Library Media
- Education Specialist in Instructional Technology
- Post-Masters Certificate in Instructional Leadership (Currently Pursuing)
What certifications do I currently hold?
In addition to my teaching certificates, I have earned the Google Certified Educator Levels 1 and 2 as well as Common Sense Media Educator certifications. As a part of the ALTIC Coaching program I became a Certified Technology Integration Coach and a Makey Makey Certified Trainer.
Spend time on self-reflection and self-analysis.
Overall I am very pleased with where I am . I began my career six years ago, and I feel that I have been afforded numerous opportunities. I have a passion for technology integration and hope to become a technology coach or technology leader for a district at some point in my career. I present at numerous conferences, and leaders in my district invest in me by sending me to conferences and allowing me to grow in my craft. I have been blessed with great mentors and colleagues who believe in me and support me to follow my dreams.
Where Do I Want to Be?
I am in a new position this year that is allowing me to gain an understanding of working in a high school, with high school students, and with the career tech department. It is a new project this year so I am building this program from the ground up.
Future projects and positions that appeal to me are technology coach, e-learning coordinator, and maybe even technology director down the road. I saw a position over the summer of an online learning coordinator for a neighboring district. Everything about the job I was qualified for and knew about, but it required an administration degree.
What are my short term and long term goals?
- Short term- Complete this degree, build the JAG program in my district to be the best it can be.
- Long term- Work in a career involving technology integration.
Where do I want to be in 1 year? 2 years?
In one year I hope to have the JAG program up and going and be finished with this degree. In two years, I will probably still be with the JAG program. In five years I hope to have moved into a role with technology.
Why do I want to be there?
I have a passion for technology integration. Technology is a great tool, and I have found that teachers need assistance in learning how to use it effectively in the classroom.
How Will I Get There?
I must continue to learn about technology and stay abreast of changing trends. In addition, I need to continue to network by presenting at conferences. I also must look for positions in this field.
What knowledge, abilities, and skills must I develop to get where I plan on going?
In order to get where I want to go, I need to finish my Educational Leadership certificate. I must also continue to grow in technological practices and participate in leadership opportunities.
What are my continuing education needs?
I need to be able to continue to present technology integration tools at conferences and with colleagues. In addition, I need to attend seminars and earn more tech tool certifications.
In what areas do I need to grow professionally to optimize my effectiveness?
I need to grow in my leadership skills in order to be most effective in the future. In order to end up at my ultimate goal, I will need to serve in a leadership role in some area. I would also like to grow as a trainer.
What is my timeline for getting where I am headed?
For my ultimate goal of becoming a director or coordinator, I am looking further into the future at ten years. I would like to use this time to stay abreast of technology tools and grow as a leader and trainer. I would like to become a technology coach sometime in the next three to five years.
What Are the Barriers?
I do not necessarily want to take the usual path with my Educational Leadership degree so gaining the experience I need could take more time. In addition, I hope to become a mother in the next few years so that could change my timeline, but it would be a huge blessing.
What barriers or obstacles might prevent me from accomplishing my goals?
The position I am in currently is great for me and my future in leadership. However, it does not involve a lot of growth in technology. This obstacle could prevent my growth in the area of technology.
What is my plan for overcoming barriers and obstacles?
I am going to continue to ask if I can attend various conferences. I will also continue to train our media specialists and elementary teachers on using technology in the classroom.
What resources are available to help me overcome and persevere?
Fortunately, I have very supportive bosses who are supportive of my career goals. My principal asks me to provide professional development on technology regularly. I serve on the district's Data Governance Committee and have been the school's technology representative for the past few years. My district's technology coordinator is aware of my goals so I will continue to lean on him as I continue to persevere and pursue my dreams.
How Will I Know When I Have Arrived at My Destination?
Each May I conduct a self-assessment to see how I have done in the year before, what goals I have for the next school year, and what changes I need to make. I will add these goals to this assessment and continue to take steps to reach these goals outlined in this plan.
How will I make any needed adjustments along the way?
I know that I need to continue to grow in technology and in leadership in order to achieve my goals. Upon assessing my plan, I will need to also consider how much training I have been a part of, the leadership roles I have taken on, and the areas I still need to improve. These will help me continue in my pursuit of my goals. Some years I may need to do more than others to help prepare me for the future.
How will I document my accomplishments?
I will document these accomplishments in my digital professional portfolio. I have this as a way of sharing my accomplishments and successes, and I also have it available to submit when applying for positions.