How This Course Affects My Career

This course has been a turning point in how I see my future in education. I used to think that being a teacher meant focusing mostly on the classroom—planning lessons, teaching content, and supporting students day-to-day. While those things are still very important to me, this course helped me realize that I want to go beyond teaching. I want to be part of creating larger, lasting changes in the education system—especially for students who face barriers.

Here are three areas I’m especially passionate about as a result of what I’ve learned:

                                                                                                                Collaborating Across Systems

I now see how powerful it is when educators work with other professionals like counselors, social workers, health care providers, and families. Students are affected by many parts of their lives outside of school, and it’s impossible to support them fully without understanding and connecting with these other systems.

What this means for my career:
I want to be the kind of educator or leader who knows how to build strong partnerships with other professionals—so students don’t fall through the cracks. Whether it’s a student facing mental health struggles or dealing with a family crisis, I want to be part of a team that surrounds them with support.

                                                                                                                Shaping Fair and Inclusive Policies

This course opened my eyes to how policies—whether they’re from the government, the school board, or within a school—can have a huge impact on students’ lives. Sometimes policies are meant to help everyone, but they can unintentionally hurt or leave out students who already face disadvantages.

What this means for my career:
I’m interested in learning how policies are made and being part of creating ones that are truly inclusive and equitable. Whether I’m in a school leadership position or part of a district team one day, I want to use my voice to advocate for fairness and challenge systems that are outdated or unjust. 

                                                                                                                 Supporting Students Who Face Barriers

Not every student has the same starting point. Some face challenges related to poverty, disability, racism, trauma, language barriers, or other systemic issues. These students often need more support—but don’t always get it.

What this means for my career:
I want to focus on equity-centered leadership. I want to help build schools where support is based on what students actually need, not just what’s convenient or assumed to be “equal.” Whether it’s through student services, inclusive programs, or staff training, I want to push for change that helps every student feel like they belong and can succeed.