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As I look ahead to my future career, I see myself continuing to grow as an educator and leader with a strong focus on instructional technology. My work in the Instructional Technology, Media, and Design program has fueled my passion for using technology to remove barriers for my students and colleagues and create equitable learning opportunities for all students. Moving forward, I plan to acquire more knowledge and skills in assistive technology and use it to support both students and teachers in developing practices that provide accessibility and promote inclusion.
Working in the field of special education, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges that many students face when traditional methods of instruction do not meet their needs. I have seen how the right technology tool, whether it is text-to-speech software, interactive visual supports, or communication devices, can open doors for students who otherwise struggle to develop and demonstrate their true potential. This realization has strengthened my desire to learn as much as possible about assistive technology and make it a central part of my future career. Thinking forward, I would welcome an opportunity to be in a position where I can guide other teachers in evaluating student needs, selecting appropriate tools, and providing professional development that empowers educators to integrate assistive technology meaningfully into their classrooms.
My long-term career goal is to serve as an assistive technology specialist or coordinator. In this role, I could combine my classroom experience with my training in instructional technology, media, and design to support not just individual students, but also other educators. I envision myself collaborating with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families to build environments where students with disabilities can thrive. I am particularly drawn to the idea of creating training and coaching opportunities for teachers so they can feel confident using technology to differentiate instruction, provide accommodations, and encourage student independence.
As I prepare to relocate to Georgia, I see new opportunities to pursue this vision. Georgia’s strong network of schools and its growing emphasis on technology integration make it a place where I can contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow professionally. My goal is to secure a position in a Georgia school district where I can apply my skills as an ESE teacher while continuing to develop my expertise in assistive technology. I hope to connect with local professional organizations and assistive technology specialists who offer further training in this area. In the long term, I aspire to transition into a district-level or regional role focused specifically on assistive technology implementation and professional development.
In conclusion, my future career plans center on building a pathway toward becoming an assistive technology leader. By combining my passion for accessibility and technology with my dedication to teaching and professional growth, I hope to play a role in ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, have the tools and opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.