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== **Introduction and Career and Leadership Goals** The Educational Technology Leadership Program at Lamar University is a great program that prepares individuals to lead others into the 21st century of education. The 21st century in education is extremely unique in that it is very dynamic with technology use growing at lightning speed. The program at Lamar has given me the tools to stay ahead of this ever changing field, and how to teach others to do the same.

I came to this program with only substitute teaching experience at the K-12 level. My educational experience has been mainly in higher education, but not teaching. My last position was as an Academic Advisor. Even though I haven’t taught, I have had a lifelong interest in the education system, and value the importance of preparing our teachers.

Unlike most of my fellow students, I have absolutely no idea what the future holds for me after graduation. Because my husband will be retiring soon, I would love to find a position that would allow me the freedom to work from home. I absolutely love the online environment and feel that it would work beautifully with my future plans. I would love to start as a Coach for the Academic Partnership program, and then see what other opportunities come about.

Because I’m not sure of my career path, it is hard for me verbalize what I would like to accomplish as a leader in the field of educational technology. I have a strong desire to learn new things when it comes to technology, so I suppose you could say that is where my motivation comes from. I will always keep up with what’s new and get very excited when I find something that really works for me. Also, I feel so strongly that we must educate our students so that they can function properly in society. If we do not teach them the technology skills, which are used so frequently in business and other aspects of life, then we have done them a great injustice. As a student in this program, I have gained vital skills that will help me pass on the importance of technology in education. I plan to put these skills to use in whatever area of education that I land.