Jeff Miles

Reflective Essay

 

Nearly four years ago I embarked on the adventure of pursuing my masters degree with no idea what was in store for me. I had just completed my eighth year teaching and coaching, and had started my new role as a senior Administrator. I looked at a number of programs, but Michigan State seemed to fit my needs as a learner more than any other institution. I wanted a program that would give me applicable skills while teaching problem solving as a learner and not focusing on bureaucratic standardized testing and issues that are not relevant to me. So I accepted the challenge and began the journey.

 

In selecting my course work I wanted to make sure that the content covered a number of major areas in education that I'm involved in. First, I wanted to learn more about the legal aspects in being an Administrator, and to make sure I understand education as it evolves in the future. I took several courses that not only gave me applicable tools but challenged me to think about how education will change drastically in years in come. Secondly, I wanted to learn how to improve aspects of being a head coach. Even though I've now been a head coach for twelve years, I learned so much in the three athletic administration courses that I took. I created emergency protocols, letters to parents, a detailed strength and conditioning program, and my coaches philosophy. I have successfully implemented all of these tools into my coaching program and even shared some of them with colleagues. Lastly, I wanted to investigate ways to improve teaching and technology in classroom. Unfortunately for me I'm just old enough that I've missed nearly all formal instruction in regards to technology. I've learned a lot on my own and creating the capstone website will be my first experience in designing a web page. Several of my courses, including the capstone provide an optimal model for collaborative learning. Sometimes as teachers we become insular in our institution, so having educators from all over the world all in the same online class collaborating together was such a valuable experience. It was truly refreshing to work with so many educators that are as passionate as I am about the field that we all work in. Even though I had high expectations for the program, I never imagined how much I would learn and apply to my role as an educator.

 

In reflecting back from the past few years completing this program did not happen without a few bumps in the road. I work and live on a boarding school campus that requires me to work 60+ hours a week. I also run a summer lacrosse camp, a youth league, and last year my wife and I had our first child. It has no doubt been the busiest I've ever been in my life. Creating balance and time management skills have also been valuable assets from this experience. I feel confident that I'm prepared for the challenges ahead both professionally and socially.

 

 

-Jeff Miles