A Time for Reflection #doctoralpursuit

When I last updated you I mentioned my progress thus far and that I was taking my first statistics class. Well, I passed my stats course (I got an A), I also stated that I was at a break in course work because of not having a course to take for summer II. I am nearing the end of my course work (last class Summer I 2019) It is still my goal to have my lit review published before  I complete my course work. The biggest issue I am having is finding time to make the edits and work on adding more depth to the review. I know and understand the importance of the lit review for me to further developing my questions and research topic. I want to devote the end of July and the beginning of August to completing the necessary edits and attempting to submit the lit review to be published in a peer reviewed journal.

I had big ideas for what would happen to me professionally in July. I wanted to tell you that I had gotten a new position in my department and that I was going to learn and grow in my new role. I also wanted to tell you that I had finally gotten my lit review published. Well, my July has not really gone the way I had planned. I didn't get the promotion. I still didn't get the lit review published, and I am not sure what my next professional career move will be. I am still looking for an opportunity to  use the skills that I have gained, but it seems that most of my opportunity has come outside of my current position. That may be a hint—I am exploring all options— my opportunity may just come from outside sources. The connections I have made through this doc program and by attending conferences and other workshops has helped me learn to promote my strengths and work on my weaknesses. These connections have also taught me how important people and connections can be.

Big things have been happening in other aspects of my professional career. I have been invited to speak to new teachers during A&M-Commerce's Professional Development day.  It was an opportunity that I truly enjoyed. I was also invited to be a guest peer reviewer for an early childhood publication. I have enjoyed that as well. I have just begun working with TALE's (Texas Association for Literacy Educators) educator empowerment committee. This group of literacy professionals has me excited to learn and grow while I work with them. I am also on Dallas ISD's Racial Equity Advisory Council for the area I live in. Although my lit review was not published, I have a short story that will be published in TALE's next newsletter.  As I reflect on the end of my 19th year in education. I see my growth as an educator and a literacy leader. I also see areas where I need additional growth and strengthening. I will continue to seek opportunities to grow in those weak areas and improve on my strengths as well.

Thank you for reading...

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