Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I envision touching the souls of young minds through weapons such as ink, paper, and critical thinking to close the literacy gaps between minorities. A statistic shows that two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in a correctional facility or dependent of governmental assistance. Over 70 percent of America’s inmates cannot read above a 4th grade level. This statistic is disheartening but reality has shown this to be true in several of my classrooms. Shortly after graduating from Florida A&M University, a principal of a rural school called and spoke about how the school could use innovative concepts and implement new strategies to motivate students in the area of reading. I did not think I was prepared, which led me to the Masters of Art in Education at Michigan State University.

Shifts in Thinking

Prior to taking courses in the Master of Arts in Education (MAED), I was exposed to reading diagnosis but the texts were not as practical for diverse learners. The foundational skills of reading are vital in reading development. I thought phonics was the most important strand of literacy. Now, I have a minor shift in thinking. I believe all of the reading domains carry a specific and significant purpose because they are interrelated. Comprehension, fluency and phonics work together heavily. If the student is unable to decode words and chunk the sounds, it will destroy comprehension for the student.

The objectives in the Master of Arts degree in Education (MAED) with a concentration in Literacy Education align with my vision to build on to my philosophy of education and understanding the advancements in literacy education, while also researching new innovative techniques to conquer the growing trends of illiteracy throughout the nation. I want to concentrate specifically on differentiation of reading strategies across multiple content areas. I want to revamp the way I teach reading. In each of the courses in the MAED program, I was able to connect to them differently. Since the there has been a generational change, it is important to remain modern my teaching practices. With the new principles and objectives I have learned at Michigan State University, I plan to become a professor that places high emphasis on literacy, bridging the gap in the staggering illiteracy rates.

Moving Forward

Although I faced many difficult times in my undergraduate career, the words “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” carried me. I have been told so many times that I am not able. The knowledge I have gained in this program will allow me to continue to grow professionally and remain academically sound, while inspiring the souls that I touch, to continue to press forward and never stop chasing their dream. As an educator, I look to better educators such as Horace Mann, to observe, learn, and sometimes let their experiences guide me in the right directions, I want my students to look to me and let my words and actions work together and help them to become better individuals and educators. “The end justifies the means”.