About Me

Introduction

Winfield is a passionate (K-12) educator with a strong interest in educational technology leadership. Their ambition is to become an educational technology leader who uses technology to transform learning for everyone. Winfield believes that technology is one of the most powerful tools for individualizing instruction, providing access to learning resources, and engaging active learning. Their goal is to utilize their skills and knowledge to assist educators, schools, industries, and organizations in harnessing the potential of technology.

Winfield's educational leadership philosophy aligns with transformational leadership, focusing on inspiring change through collaboration, modeling, and a shared vision). Winfield also believes that technology leaders must be advocates for both learners and non-learners to implement effective solutions. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of setting clear goals and providing the necessary support to help others achieve those goals.

Personal Growth Plan

The initial goals in Winfield's Personal Growth Plan include gaining experience in leadership, increasing their technical skillset, developing strong communication skills, and learning to think more strategically and solve problems.

Gaining Experience in Leadership 

This goal partially involves learning from the courses offered in the Educational Technology Leadership Ed.D. program at NJCU. It entails studying the course material with the intention of retaining most of it. Winfield will also need to reevaluate their current practices as an educator, consider applying leadership methodologies, and engage in more leadership roles. Reading books and articles about leadership and the latest technologies, as well as attending industry events and conferences, are vital responsibilities for achieving this goal. These activities will provide pathways for developing skills in delegation, decision-making, and team building.

Increasing Technical Skillset

This goal involves taking courses, attending webinars, and participating in conferences related to computer technology or other relevant technical fields. It also includes tasks such as working on personal projects and participating in events like hackathons, the Hour of Code, and Common Sense Media. One of the outcomes of this goal is developing an understanding of the underlying principles of technology and applying them to solve problems.

Developing Strong Communication Skills 

This goal involves taking on active roles in public speaking, presenting, reading, and writing. It includes practicing communication skills in everyday life. The objective is to clearly communicate ideas to others and build strong relationships.

Learning to Think More Strategically and Solve Problems 

This goal could involve reading books and articles about leadership and management, as well as taking courses on problem-solving. Winfield aims to find as many case studies as possible about leadership and new technology to continue iterating on this goal. The objective is to develop the ability to think critically and creatively and resolve complex problems.

Timeline

Although each goal is iterative and will continue beyond the program, there are still timelines based on classes, projects, or emerging challenges. The journey toward these goals will help Winfield develop better decision-making and conflict resolution skills, become more effective in their role, create access to opportunities, and make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

Winfield is excited to embark on this journey to become an educational technology leader. With their skills, knowledge, and passion, Winfield is confident in their ability to make a difference in the lives of those who have influenced them and those they will impact in the future. Winfield is determined to make a positive impact on the future of leadership and education.