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August 12, 2013

Dear Educational Technology Faculty,

I began my educational journey after graduating from The University of Texas-Pan American with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in May 2009. Right after I graduated I began to apply to school districts from Mission to Harlingen, and in late July I received a phone call for an interview at Progreso. I went in nervous but confident that I was their best choice for an elementary educator. I receive a phone call a week later from Progreso ISD, that my contract was ready and if I would like to go in to sign. I began teaching in the Fall of 2009 at Progreso East Elementary as a 5th grade Math and Science teacher. Even though I was only certified from EC-4th grade, I challenged the certification for 4th-8th grade and I passed the exam. For the past 4 years I have been teaching 5th grade science, and In the past 2 years I have been able to integrate different Web 2.0 tools into the classroom to enhance my students learning.

In my 2nd  year of teaching I was able to join a TQ (Teacher Quality) grant associated with UTB and Progreso ISD. The TQ program helped promote and improve instruction in mathematics and science for teachers by providing professional development. During the Summer of 2011 while working in the TQ program I was notified about the MSTTPA Go Tech program for a Masters in Educational Technology through UTB. Without any hesitation I took the application and applied and submitted the application that same day. A few days later I was notified that I was admitted to the certification program. Once I was able to meet with Dr. Butler, told her that I was really interested in joining the Masters Program if any spots opened up. Dr. Butler was great about notifying me of an open spot and I resubmitted my information and a semester later I was in the Masters Program.

When I started the program I felt a little nervous because I was shy to meet and mingle with other fellow colleagues from different school districts. But now after a long two-year journey I have meet great colleagues who have become long life friends. This program has given me the confidence to speak up and be leader within my campus, by conducting in-services and introducing new ways of integrating technology in the classroom. Throughout the MSTTPA Go Tech program and Masters program through UTB, I have been introduce to numerous technology applications that I have had a chance to integrate into my classroom instruction. It’s great to see how different cognitive e-learning theories and research applies to educational technology within the classroom and learner. I have had a great opportunity to gain vast wealth of knowledge about technology applications and software, theories and Web 2.0 Tools that I have been able to share with my colleagues throughout my campus and school district. The best part of the program was meeting great educators who also shared the same expectations and strive for the knowledge of technology use in the classroom. With their guidance and assistance helped me every step of the way through the program.

Now that my two-year journey of earning my Masters degree in Educational Technology, I desire to use the knowledge and skills that I have acquired and will acquire as technology changes to start a new career in creating online trainings and courses for my school district. I have gained a wealth of knowledge and skills that I have been fortunate to share with my students and fellow colleagues. The program has provided me with the confidence of having the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully integrate 21st century technology into any curriculum. By receiving an M. Ed in Educational Technology has opened doors for me to continue my passion and career as an educator.

Sincerely,

Santos Alvarado