As an academic enthusiast and a hardworking and dedicated high school educator for 15 years,
I was motivated to start my doctoral studies because of the need for self-actualization, and
advancement in career. To each his own, and staying true to one’s self is a recipe for growth
mindset and success (Kouzes, 2016). I completed a Master’s degree in the year 2022, therefore
the way to go is moving forward. A friend of mine in the same position decided to do a second
master, and was encouraging me to do the same. Seems like a good idea but I motivated
myself into thinking about aspiring to the next level by doing an Ed.D making myself more
credible and marketable. Hence, my thinking is that doing a Master would be cutting into the
time I should be doing doctoral studies. My other motivation is the idea of physical therapy and
the constant need to keep my brain active and thinking critically (Hermond and Tanner, 2020). I
am always on the internet research and reading and keeping up with current trends whether in
education or otherwise. Therefore, my thought was why not be more proactive and productive
by doing actual research and book work that would be more meaningful and improve my
academic portfolio, scholastic ability and professional reputation. I will also have new skills
which will enhance my expertise and be more competitive in job hunting.
After the completion of my graduate program I envisioned myself advancing my career and
making societal impact with the hopes of becoming a leader by working with the ministry of
education with responsibility in a particular region (clusters of schools). I will be able to work
collaboratively with other scholars and educators as an expert in the curriculum field. As an
expert and team leader I will be able to make innovative decisions which will have a greater
impact on several schools to assess school’s policy and curriculum and make
recommendations. Also I need a change and my other option is to get a job as a lecturer in a
university mentoring and educating future leaders. I have been working in the high school
system for several years as a teacher and mentor holding several portfolios as heads of
different departments and teaching three different subjects to several grade levels (7-11) at the
same time. It is challenging at times. However, when I look at the work that I put in and after
graduation the students receive their external grades and have been matriculated to higher
studies, I am motivated to continue. Even though I am a little bit burnt out, I still enjoy been in
the education system as I still believe that I can be an agent of greater change in the future
while maintaining a desire to continue learning.
This vision aligns with my personal and professional goal as I develop to share my knowledge
and expertise with professionals in the curriculum field. I am motivated and confident that I will
be able to assist with the development of learners so they can become future successful
leaders. As a leader I will network with other professionals, and continue to stay current with
trends in education while researching best practices and strategies to develop curriculum and
courses that aligns with my interest and research. This program will allow me to conduct
research, and as an educator and I will be able to enthusiastically impart such knowledge to
help other professionals develop their career.
References
Hermond, D., & Tanner, T. (2020). Mastering Critical Thinking Competencies in Online Graduate
Classes. Administrative Issues Journal: Connecting Education, Practice, and Research, 10(1), 46–
57. DOI: 10.5929/2020.10.1.4
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2016). Learning leadership: The five fundamentals of becoming an
exemplary leader. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.