Introduction

Professional learning has been a constant throughout my adult life. As a military wife, being flexible and open to learning has been a critical component to a successful marriage and career. From the time I graduated with my BEd (1993), until I moved to Winnipeg (2006), I had already lived and worked in 5 different cities, 3 other provinces and 2 countries. With each move came a significant amount of new learning. Although most of my career was spent working with middle years students, I did teach from pre-school level (Montessori) to adult education (Seneca College and Correctional Services Canada).  

After over 13 years as a classroom teacher, in 2008 I accepted a position as a resource teacher, unsure of how I would feel not having "my own class".  After getting my feet wet and learning the ropes, I realized that this was "my favourite job ever" (like each and every position that I had previously held). It was then that I decided that I wanted to take my PBDE in Special Education.  In the fall of 2010 I began my PBDE journey.  With steadfast dedication to taking coursework yearlong, I completed my program in 2012.  It was a steep learning curve after being out of university for so long, but I was proud of my accomplishment.  As rewarding as it was, I vowed that I would be done university course work because it took so much time away from my family.  

In 2016 I was asked to instruct a summer course for Educational Assistants at the University of Winnipeg.  Little did I know when I accepted the position that the course needed a severe overhaul so I was left to my own devices to create the course content.  I think I ended up making about $5/hour when the work was all said and done.  ;)  It was, however, an amazing learning opportunity.  

Now, with over 25 years in education, I have yet to remain in the same building for more than five years. I thrive on learning and change. 

My participation in the Graduate program at Brandon University over the past three years has provided me with an immense amount of learning and growth.  There were many times, and I mean MANY, that I debated continuing my coursework.  I'd say pretty much mid-way through each course I would reconsider whether I "needed" my MEd.  Working full-time as a single school administrator, and being a mother and wife, was a full plate in itself.  My colleagues with their MEd encouraged me to persevere, and my colleagues without told me it was okay to not pursue it.  Each time that I debated not finishing a course, or not registering for the following session, I acknowledged that I did not "need" my MEd, but deep down I knew that I "wanted" it.  

When I began my coursework at Brandon University, I was starting my second year as a single administrator. When I originally entered the Master's program at Brandon University I was enrolled in the area of Special Education.  I have included my statement of interest from my original application, followed by my letter requesting a switch to Educational Administration.  Although I know that continuing in Special Education would have been a rewarding path, the learning that I gained through the intense, yet relevant, coursework, has guided and shaped me as a school principal.  I could not imagine myself being in the role that I am without the knowledge that I have acquired through my coursework in Educational Administration.  

Statement of Interest:

It is with great interest that I am applying to enroll in the Master of Education program at Brandon University, specializing in Special Education. 

With over 20 years’ experience in the field of education, I have been fortunate to have had a rich and varied career.  I have worked with students from the pre-school level to adult education, and in private, public and federal institutions.  I have worked as a general classroom teacher, a subject specialist, a resource teacher and I am now in my fourth year of administration. In each position I have held, I have learned and grown along with my students.  Growing professionally and pursuing higher education has been a lifelong interest of mine.  Throughout my career I have continually pursued professional growth and development opportunities and challenges.  Most recently, I obtained my Level 2 Principal’s Certificate.  As I was working toward this certification, I was able to take courses in Universal Design for Learning and Educational Administration.  I would like to continue to delve more deeply into the education system in which I work so that I can better support teachers and students at all levels.  A Master of Education is the logical next step in my educational career.  

Shortly after starting my position as a resource teacher, it quickly became evident to me that inclusionary practices were going to be the focus of my work from that point on.  I became an advocate for the students that were marginalized in the school community.  Now, as the principal of a small school, I am directly involved in the planning for our students with learning and behavioural challenges.  I want to know how to best serve the students under my care.  As such, I would like to learn about the most recent research and practices in the area of Special Education.  I want to know how I can best plan for, support and assess students with exceptionalities and behavioural disorders.  Inclusive education is at the core of my belief system and this is one of the reasons I was selected for my current administrative position.  Completing my Masters in Special Education will take me one step closer to my future goal of being the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, where I will be able to support many more teachers and students in my division.

My personal and professional learning goals and beliefs align very closely with the mission statement, vision and academic plan of Brandon University.  My students’ learning is my passion.  I believe that it is the role and responsibility of our educational system to create and promote competent, socially responsible, resilient, and resourceful life-long learners that are able to contribute meaningfully to society.  As an educator and leader, it is essential that I keep this mission in mind as I am entrusted with the task of educating, guiding and leading in our schools.

I believe that the focus of our school is not only to educate in the area of academics, but in character development, relationship building and social justice.  We must model the behaviours we wish to see, and do so with passion and commitment.  I believe in building supportive relationships with students and families.  We must develop mutual trust.  I believe that students learn best when work is meaningful and relevant.  We must engage our students in real-world experiences.  I believe that all students can learn and that it takes courage to try something new.  We must create safe and inclusive learning environments where risk taking is encouraged and modelled.  I believe that learning should be embraced and viewed as a life-long journey.  We must continue to grow personally and professionally.   
                    

Request for Switch to Educational Administration: 

     Please allow me to explain how I have come to make this request.  I became a resource teacher in 2008 and loved the learning that it entailed.  Shortly thereafter, I began my PBDE in Special Ed. at University of Manitoba.  I thoroughly enjoyed my program and received my Special Education Teacher’s Certificate in 2012.  As I searched to continue to “make a difference” with as many students as possible, I was appointed as a vice-principal in 2013. 

 

     In 2014, I took Intro to Ed Admin at U of M to see if that was the area in which I wanted to specialize.   The course forced me to think critically about topics that were new to me, and at the time was “out of my comfort zone”.  As I was comfortable with the Special Ed programming, I decided to continue in that stream for my MEd.  In 2016, I was appointed to the position of principal in my current school.  As much as I still see inclusive education as my passion, I have now realized that I want/need to focus my learning on the role of an educational leader.  

     I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to switch to the area of Educational Administration so that I may continue to grow and learn as an educational leader.   

And here is my journey....