Course Learning Plan

I am currently pursuing my passion for teaching Mathematics after many years of being the Head of Music at three different schools. Experience in both the rural and urban settings have taught me the value of community. I have taught in Catholic, Private and Government contexts and have found passionate and dedicated educators in all of these settings. I am currently responsible for implementing new tools and pedagogies for both subjects.

Music has been a formative aspect of my life and identity. I have spent much of my life performing, composing and honing my craft. I am lucky enough to have combined my passion for learning and teaching with my passion for Music. As the Head of multiple Music Departments it has been my privilege to guide young people in this life enriching discipline and provide opportunities for them by leading choirs, orchestras, musical productions and music tours. The lessons demanded to acquire music mastery such as metacognition and deliberate practice are ones that seem to be valuable in many disciplines. I have long been fascinated by all aspects of learning and the intersection of Art and Science. In addition to Music, my study of Electrical Engineering, Philosophy, Mathematics and Modern Art have provided me with broad perspective on education.

The breadth of knowledge and the types of skills that young people require to thrive and affect change in a world that faces complex economic, social and environmental challenges is increasing rapidly. These challenges require a global population that is not only highly skilled in more than one discipline but are altruistic, culturally sensitive global citizens with highly developed communication, entrepreneurial and problem solving skills. The demands for developing these skills are firmly handed to schools at a time when teachers are not only increasingly time poor but also dealing with these same changes, swamped with data and learning to implement emerging digital tools.

In pursuing my Masters in Education Learning and Leadership I hope to:

• gain a better understanding of the current imperatives of education and how I might enable schools to implement these in a school wide curriculum

• develop the leadership skills necessary to inspire a team of curriculum developers to incorporate change

• gain experience to facilitate my own pathway to a learning leadership role in a school

• develop fruitful, professional relationships with the students in my course