THE IMPORTANCE OF GOALS AND WELL-BEING

I entered into the world of education because I believe that it is the key to changing the world. Through

the interactions and relationships built in and outside of the classroom can influence and impact social change. This can be accomplished by reaching the lives of students and parents and directly impacting educational policy to become more supportive and transformative in the lives of students. Walden University’s mission and vision are very similar to the beliefs I have about social change as well. The university has always been focused on fostering social change through the education of scholar-practitioners, increasing access to higher education and applying research to help solve problems in the world (Walden University, 2017).

The need for positive social change in the global educational environment has always been crucial. The K-12 education system is developing the next generation of leaders and workers who will shape the future of America. One of Walden’s vision includes creating this change through strengthening the impact of curriculum to educate agents of social change across all programs (Walden University, 2017). This can be applied to our students by educating them on the social issues that are plaguing our country. Socioemotional lessons are a great tool to start with. In my district, we utilize the Second Step program that helps students develop social skills to use within themselves and when dealing with others/peers. One of the most important lessons I believe it teaches them is how to handle conflict respectfully and recognize and appreciate one’s differences. Although these are micro changes, education often lends itself to emulating what is going well in other schools or districts which can make an impact on the wider environment. With that being said, I do feel empowered to lead change in my school community. Our school culture allows for us to collaborate and share what is going well in our classroom and gives us the space to shadow and observe other teachers as well. Throughout the school year, we are able to apply to lead workshops on what we believe our skill set is. These are all opportunities to invoke change in our students and peers.

RESOURCES

Walden University. (2017). Walden 2020: A vision for social change.

https://www.waldenu.edu/-/media/Walden/files/about-walden/walden-university-2017-social-change-rep

ort-final-v-2.pdf?la=en

Walden University. (n.d.). Social change. https://www.waldenu.edu/about/social-change

Walden University. (n.d.-a). 5 things that everyone should know about social change.

https://www.waldenu.edu/about/social-change/resource/five-things-that-everyone-should-know-about-so cial-change

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