As I work to complete my Master’s Degree in Instructional
Systems, I anticipate remaining in my current position for at least a few more years. I am an instructor with an AS
degree program in veterinary technology at a community college in central
Florida. I came to academia in January 2009
after twelve years in the field as a veterinary technician. My skills and knowledge in the field were
second to none, but I did not have any formal background in education. Distance learning quickly became my friend
and I was able to enter the MS-IS program at FSU in spring 2013.
My college is regionally accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools, and the program that I teach within is
nationally accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Having my Master’s Degree means that I will
no longer be an exception to normal teaching credential requirements. Being a workforce AS degree program instructor
allowed me to begin teaching without the MS in education, but I certainly
wanted to equip myself properly for my new career and cover myself in case I
ever decide to teach or work elsewhere. Since I am now only finishing my sixth year of teaching, I
finally feel as though I’m getting good at it!
I look forward to bringing principles and competencies that I have
learned in this program back to my current teaching position. Grad school while working more than full time
has been a huge challenge for me; I cherish the day that I might be doing ‘only
one thing’ for a change!
In the near future, I hope to apply analysis competencies to
my everyday work in an effort to identify and prioritize performance gaps in
students within our program as well as professional veterinary technicians when
I am asked to consult on training efforts in the veterinary community. I am now much more capable with learner
analysis as well as knowledge, skills, and attitudes determinations for
specific education and job requirements.
Design and development principles that I studied throughout this program
have made me more confident with solution building, alignment of objectives
with curricula and instruction, and the implementation of instructional
strategies that are learner-centric.
Program work has combined with my own history as a distance learner to
give me a great appreciation for technology integration and media application
program competencies. I’ve been able to
design instruction for various delivery systems, use technology for
professional purposes, and describe strengths and weaknesses of current
instructional technologies. With regards
to evaluation and research competencies, I have learned and demonstrated the
ability to conduct formative evaluation, assess and synthesize data from a
variety of sources, and disseminate findings from research. I am much more confident now in my ability to
establish project goals and plans, and I appreciate gaining management
competency at establishing environments that foster job satisfaction. My demonstration of communication competency
reaches across most of my time and work within this program. I am able to communicate professionally orally
as well as in writing, instructional media, and instructional materials. I have developed a much wider professional
network during this program, and I work effectively with team members using a
variety of collaborative techniques.
In the big picture, I will consider pursuing a program
directorship with a veterinary technology program, or even employment with the
American Veterinary Medical Association, as they are the accrediting body for
veterinary education programs as well as veterinary technology programs across
the nation. Now that I have a better
grasp of instructional design, project development, and program evaluation, I feel
confident that soon I will be able to work toward elevating my level of
responsibility. My professional heart
began growing in veterinary medicine, so I think that I will likely remain in
this field. Now, however, I feel
confident and secure in the knowledge that I can excel at a higher level of academia within veterinary education while being flexible enough to work in private
organizational training and education if I so choose.