1. EDU 650 TEACHING, LEARNING AND LEADING IN THE 21 ST CENTURY Introduction Hello all, my name is Dorothy Davis. I graduated from Ashford University October 2011 with a bachelor degree in Social Science.

2. BACKGROUND My background has been in the health field, non-medical working as support staff in businesses such as orthopedic aftercare, Texas Medicaid Long-term care. I have always wanted to be an educator; however, over the past 12 years, I have taken time away from my dreams to support my husband who was active military and to raise our daughter. So, I am now fulfilling my long time desire to become an educator.

3. EDUCATION (k-12) I attended public schools from grade 1 through high school. During those years, the educational experience was always positive and I had instructors who provided me tools to become a successful adult. There were three teachers I can remember who made a great impact on my life about the importance of education and lifelong learning. They have remained with me since that time and I still reach back and remember the very lessons they provided me then.

4. MY FUTURE It is my hope to become an educator that makes a difference. I recently completed my training for certification to become an educator here in Texas. I will be taking my exam within the next two months. I have also accepted a position with one of the school districts here as a substitute teacher to obtain experience within the classroom. I not only wish to obtain my master’s degree in education, I am hoping to continue on to complete studies to obtain my doctorate in education. I believe the more knowledgeable I am about being an educator, the better I can serve my community, building a stronger future through educating our children. My belief about education and teaching is that every student can succeed and as an educator, it is my responsibility to help students reach their full potential and gain knowledge and skills that is required in their daily lives. At this point in my pursuit, the quote that best symbolizes my belief about education is “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others” (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk)

5. WELCOME I wish each of you success in your journey toward your goal and I look forward to interacting with each of you over the course of our studies. Welcome!