Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instructional design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organizations that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there. Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promo)
Within the past few years I can say, I love being involved in the education field. I've had the opportunity to meet several people in my past who have guided me and supported me through my journey of learning. It took lots of time and patients to get to where I am today. I feel very blessed !! 
Here's a little about my journey to where I am today...  After graduating college with a BA in Art and Design Studies with a Minor in Advertising, I decided to go back to school to pursue the Alternative Certification program to teach Art. Art is a passion Ive had and always wanted to be able to teach students what I love. Since I was so motivated to teach, I enrolled in classes at TAMUC. I began subbing for Commerce ISD and gained so much learning experience on how to deal with parents, students, and teachers within my three years. Not only did I sub but I was also working for an Afterschool Program with Cooper ISD teaching Art to elementary and high school students. After receiving my teaching certificate I decided my calling was working with the Afterschool programs. The students I helped each day, I felt were depending on me to be there for them. I wanted to be able to give back to students who needed the help Afterschool, as well to students who may not have the help at home. I started looking for current jobs in the Dallas area and found a job as a Site Coordinator with an Afterschool program.  I applied for the position with Richardson and everything started falling into place. Before perusing the position I was certain to make an effort to go back to school to finish my Masters. I realized after I finished my Alt. Certification I didn’t have many classes to complete my masters. I am currently enrolled in the Master’s program ETEC  Education Technology and expected to graduate this December. At this time I work for Richardson ISD’s PACE Afterschool Program. I am currently now promoted as a Program Specialist. Ive been in this position for three years and can truly say I love my job. Richardson has 39 Afterschool Programs and I oversee fifteen of those schools. Right now I feel like I’m in the right place of my career path. I don’t expect to change jobs but I would like to eventually obtain a promotion when I graduate. 

Next, describe the kind of work that you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Use the WorkMatrix in the chapter titled “Getting a Job in Business and Industry” to help organize your thoughts. Do you most desire first, second, third, or fourth level service? Or would you rather design or develop instruction? What features of work are important to you? What economic sector do you want to work in? Based on these intentions, explain what you need to learn. What skills and qualifications do you need? Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations?

I love learning and believe there is no end to learning. The skills I have I would like to develop instruction instead of designing.  I feel comfortable in the position I have now as a Program Specialist. I'd like to develop instruction rather than design it.  I know I have other skills that I need to learn when it comes to the educational field. In my opinion technology is our future and keeping up with technology should be a must! Based on the importance of how technology is growing and how it’s being implemented into the classroom. My priority is to make sure to stay up to date all the time. There’s a lot to know about different programs and I do have the desire to learn.  

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not?

_{The following organizations I was looking at were The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) and The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). I feel both organizations could help me become a great leader!  I would like to use both because they are reliable resources when I graduate. Both resources would be available to help further my education after I graduate. I would be able to join in on workshops, webinars, use them for online resources, and many other useful tools to enhance my knowledge.}