1. Mark Boatman
Journal– Professional Goals
An aspect of teaching that I feel is vital is to approach the job with a willingness to adapt
and grow as a professional. The day that I get the opportunity to enter the profession will
be great, but I realize that the struggle doesn’t stop there. It is my duty as an educator to
be a student in the field, pursuing further training and educational opportunities myself.
The world of education is ever evolving, with new theories and various applications of
teaching practices always being presented. To be an effective teacher is to be fluid and
dynamic, considering and utilizing the various theories and beneficial practices that will
aid in the goal of preparing my students to be successful in any endeavor they pursue
later in life.
My immediate goals after entering the teaching profession are not as specific as some of
my other goals, but will encompass what I want to accomplish throughout my career. I
hope to hit the ground running as a new teacher, promoting an academically engaged
learning environment, with critical thinking, a desire to participate, and shared knowledge
as the cornerstones of my classroom. It may sound cliché, but I simply want to instill
knowledge and a desire to learn in every student that I teach, so that they will develop
into smart, highly functioning members of society.
Many changes have occurred in my life in the past year. I gave up a career as an
Archaeologist to pursue my true calling in life, teaching. In a last minute decision I
decided to apply to the College of Western Idaho to see what the college had to offer as a
step in the process of attaining a second Bachelor’s or possible Master’s degree in
Education. Having a degree from the University of Idaho, with my core requirements
completed, my focus has been solely on education courses. After I finish up with the
required education courses at CWI in the spring, I plan on transferring to a four-year
institution within the state. I am still weighing my options, but will most likely attend
either Boise State University or pursue my degree from the University of Idaho, taking
classes remotely. The plans I have laid will help me accomplish my short-term goal of
becoming highly qualified in each of the core academic subjects I want to teach, and
having full state certification. Until recently I was unsure of whether I wanted to teach at
the Elementary of Secondary level, but I’ve tentatively decided that teaching Middle
School would provide its own exciting challenges and opportunities. I have always had a
passion for history and government, and would love to share that passion with Middle
School age students. Although these students are not yet voters, I feel that it is important
to pass on a love for country, to show them that past events and people help guide and
shape future ones, and that they will become the future leaders of our country. I believe
that with proper training and furthering my education, I can become a highly marketable
and effective teacher, with many job opportunities at my disposal. I hope to work at a
school that is supportive, collaborative, welcoming, provides adequate and equal
resources to all students and teachers, and allows for some sense of autonomy within the
classroom environment.

2. It is important as a teacher to not only focus on the immediate or short-term, but to reflect
on long-term goals. As a person with natural leadership ability and experience, I tend to
seek out leadership roles. Once I become an experienced teacher I would strive to
become a department head. Department Chairs often are designed and perceived as
instructional leaders within their department, developing and influencing curriculum and
the direction or focus of the department. Department Chairs also supervise and evaluate
instruction, have regular contact with the administration, and act as intermediaries
between the teachers and administration. The next avenue of education I might pursue is
to become an Administrator. I believe that great Administrators are leaders among
teaching and learning at their prospective schools. They have clear comprehension of
academic goals, how and if those goals are being achieved, how to meet challenges head-
on, and are generally invested in both the teachers and students’ livelihoods. I believe
that I have the skills in planning and oversight needed to become an effective
administrator, and overall have a keen interest in the success of my teachers and students.