4.1 Setting My Educational Goals
My education goals are to attain my second degree in Computer Science through CSU Monterey Bay. I plan on maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the program by staying true to my planned study time and by reaching out to my team and the staff for help when I need clarification. After graduation, I plan on updating my skills periodically by taking courses through open university. I am still on the fence about whether or not I want to pursue an M.S. in Computer Science since I already have an M.A. in Computational Linguistics.
4.2 Setting My Career Goals
Right now, I am satisfied with my career as a high school Computer Science teacher. However, in the future, I would like to help my district develop effective student-focused CS curriculum by becoming the District Computer Science Curriculum Specialist. In two years, I will be eligible to apply for this position because I will have taught for the minimum of 5 years. By then, I will have also attained my B.S. in Computer Science, making me an attractive candidate for the position. No other CS teacher in our district has a degree in CS or a CS-related degree.
4.3 ETS Computer Science Test
Upon reviewing the sample test on ETS, I am confident that I will score around the 180 mark. I am a fairly good test-taker and I am a determined learner. I plan on revisiting the ETS page throughout my time in this program to reflect on the skills I will be tested on.
4.4 Weekly Learning Keep Up With Your Learning Journal
Since I previously taught rhetoric, much of what we read this week was not new to me. However, it was a great review before engaging in outlining and writing our ethical argument paper. I am also gaining great perspective in how to teach my CS students about ethics in computing and how technology impacts society. This is something that my AP Computer Science Principles students must write about in their “Explore” performance task. This performance task asks them to present a computational innovation and to discuss, not only how it functions and what its intended use is, but how it impacts society, our economy, and our culture.
Maintaining a 4.0 GPA is a fantastic goal! You provided very clear steps that you plant to take in order to achieve this goal, and I think you have what it takes to make it a reality. Also, open university is a great resource and will definitely help keep your mind sharp post graduation. Good luck!
I love that you’re so passionate about education. Teachers are one of the noblest people in my opinion and I don’t think that you become a good one without the kind of passion you have.
I know that you have mentioned your desire to target girls and underrepresented students in CS education, which is another awesome trait. The CS industry could use more people like that.