Welcome to the introductory course of the MAECEL program. This course aims to strengthen your self-awareness as an educational professional and support your individual growth and future success. It is critical that you have a clear understanding of the program’s overall scope and trajectory. This discussion encourages you to think beyond just this first course and the career you envision for yourself.
Please respond to each of the following parts:
Part I: Who You Are
As a graduate student, advocate for social justice and educational leader, you wear many different hats. It is important that you always know and can succinctly summarize who you are within these settings. As you describe who you are, consider your goals, passions, experience, and interests.
In Part I of your introduction, discuss who you are as a:
· Graduate student
· Leader
· Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional
Additionally, provide the following details:
· Discuss your personal and professional goals upon completion of your degree program.
· Describe any recent trends or changes you have experienced or read about in the field of early childhood education.
Part II: Program Connection
As a University of Arizona Global Campus graduate student, you are part of a larger community. On a small scale, you are part of the MAECEL program, but on a much larger scale, you are a student within the College of Arts and Sciences in the Department of Education and Liberal Arts. This part of your introduction aims to connect you with the MAECEL program. To prepare for this part of the discussion, explore the Degree Completion Journey section in the MAECEL course list. Spend time navigating through each course to read descriptions and better understand how the courses build on each other.
In your discussion, address the following:
· Describe the expectations you have for yourself as a MAECEL graduate student.
· Describe the expectations you have for others as MAECEL graduate students.
· Identify two courses that you feel excited about.
· Discuss how these two courses influence your professional goals
Graduate Student:
As a graduate student, I am an individual embarking on a journey of intellectual and professional growth. I am committed to expanding my knowledge base in early childhood education (ECE) and refining my skills to become a more effective educator. I approach this journey with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn from my peers and instructors.
Leader:
My leadership style is collaborative and empowering. I believe in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to contribute. I am a strong communicator who can motivate and inspire others to achieve their goals.
DEI Professional:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental values that guide my approach to education. I am committed to creating learning environments that celebrate differences, promote respect for all individuals, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Goals and Aspirations:
Upon completion of the MAECEL program, I aspire to [Insert your specific professional goal, e.g., become a curriculum specialist, lead a preschool program, or advocate for policy changes in early childhood education]. This program will equip me with the necessary knowledge, leadership skills, and research expertise to pursue this goal and make a significant impact in the field of ECE.
Recent Trends:
A recent trend in ECE that excites me is the [Insert a specific trend you’ve observed or read about, e.g., growing focus on social-emotional learning, increased emphasis on play-based pedagogy, or integration of technology in early childhood classrooms]. I am eager to learn more about how I can incorporate these trends into my teaching practice to better meet the needs of young learners.
Expectations for Myself:
As a MAECEL student, I expect myself to be a dedicated and engaged learner. I will actively participate in class discussions, complete assignments thoughtfully, and contribute meaningfully to the learning community. I am committed to upholding high academic standards and maintaining a strong work ethic throughout the program.
Expectations for Others:
I believe my fellow MAECEL students will be individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. I expect them to be respectful and supportive collaborators who are eager to learn and share their knowledge. Together, we can create a vibrant learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and professional development for all.
Exciting Courses:
Two courses that spark my enthusiasm are [Name the first course] and [Name the second course]. [Name of the first course] interests me because [Explain why this course excites you and how it relates to your goals]. Similarly, [Name of the second course] appeals to me because [Explain why this course excites you and how it relates to your goals]
Connection to Professional Goals:
Both of these courses will significantly influence my professional goals. The knowledge and skills gained from [Name of the first course] will enable me to [Explain how this course contributes to your goals], while [Name of the second course] will equip me to [Explain how this course contributes to your goals].
I am confident that the MAECEL program, with its comprehensive curriculum and focus on leadership and social justice, will provide me with the necessary tools and knowledge to become a highly effective and impactful leader in the field of early childhood education.