Welcome
I've created this e-portfolio as the culminating project for my Master of Education in Special Education at the University of British Columbia. The following pages will outline my personal and professional background, specific goals I set for myself upon beginning this adventure, my professional profile as well as a list of the courses undertaken as part of my degree.
As I took the first steps in pursuing a Master's degree, I had certain assumptions of what to expect and what I was bringing with me for the journey. I liken my thought processes to those I had when I made the decision to leave Canada to work in the United Kingdom for a year. My suitcase was packed with my favourite clothes, a few small personal items to remind me of home and the best wishes of family and friends. I boarded the plane, both excited and nervous at what was in store for me. Similarly, as I began my studies, my "professional suitcase" was filled with a strong teaching background, many years specifically focusing on supporting children with special needs; this would be a firm ground to stand on. In both situations, I had with me, what I thought would best prepare me for the trials ahead.
I made the decision to work in London, England presuming that I would avoid any language barriers, ensuring I could quickly secure a place to live and a teaching position, making the transition from the comforts of home a little smoother. They speak English in England right? How wrong I was. And how thankful I am now that I was so wrong. I quickly learned that the English I spoke and the English spoken in London, were incredibly different. Many words had completely different meanings to those I had come to know, leading to some particularly interesting conversations! Likewise, the knowledge I had gathered through my teaching experience, while valuable in leading me to pursue further education, did not fully prepare me for the conversations I would be involved in throughout the Master's program. I quickly discovered I had so much more to learn.
The time I spent in London forever changed the person I am both personally and professionally. I did not think that I would be fortunate to have such a monumental shift in thinking and being yet again. The journey of furthering my education and submerging myself in academic pursuits, has opened my mind to possibilities that were not in my realm of thinking, just as moving to a foreign country had done years before.
As I took the first steps in pursuing a Master's degree, I had certain assumptions of what to expect and what I was bringing with me for the journey. I liken my thought processes to those I had when I made the decision to leave Canada to work in the United Kingdom for a year. My suitcase was packed with my favourite clothes, a few small personal items to remind me of home and the best wishes of family and friends. I boarded the plane, both excited and nervous at what was in store for me. Similarly, as I began my studies, my "professional suitcase" was filled with a strong teaching background, many years specifically focusing on supporting children with special needs; this would be a firm ground to stand on. In both situations, I had with me, what I thought would best prepare me for the trials ahead.
I made the decision to work in London, England presuming that I would avoid any language barriers, ensuring I could quickly secure a place to live and a teaching position, making the transition from the comforts of home a little smoother. They speak English in England right? How wrong I was. And how thankful I am now that I was so wrong. I quickly learned that the English I spoke and the English spoken in London, were incredibly different. Many words had completely different meanings to those I had come to know, leading to some particularly interesting conversations! Likewise, the knowledge I had gathered through my teaching experience, while valuable in leading me to pursue further education, did not fully prepare me for the conversations I would be involved in throughout the Master's program. I quickly discovered I had so much more to learn.
The time I spent in London forever changed the person I am both personally and professionally. I did not think that I would be fortunate to have such a monumental shift in thinking and being yet again. The journey of furthering my education and submerging myself in academic pursuits, has opened my mind to possibilities that were not in my realm of thinking, just as moving to a foreign country had done years before.