What's your Why?

Every day in classrooms across our schools, we face a critical moment where countless special education students are being left behind by traditional, one-size-fits-all teaching methods. The time for change is now, and it isn't just about improving test scores—it’s about fundamentally transforming how we support special education students so they can thrive, building the confidence and skills that will serve them throughout their lives. This belief is at the heart of my What's Your Why assignment, where I explore my passion for creating meaningful learning experiences and advocating for adaptive learning technologies that meet the diverse needs of all students.

Influencer Strategy 

Our special education students deserve better than the traditional teaching methods that often leave them behind. By integrating adaptive learning platforms into our district, we can finally offer the personalized, data-driven instruction these students need to succeed. In my Influencer Strategy assignment, I outline how the Six Sources of Influence framework can help drive this transformation—ensuring that this technology becomes a natural part of learning. By addressing key motivational and structural factors, we can create an environment where every student, especially those facing extra challenges, gets their chance to shine.

 

Personalized Potential: 4DX Plan 

Embracing a growth mindset is an eye-opening experience that requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and grit. In my Personalized Potential: 4DX Plan assignment, I explore how the Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) framework can be applied to foster a growth mindset—both in my classroom and throughout the ADL program. By recognizing fixed mindset thoughts, choosing a growth-oriented perspective, replacing negative self-talk, and taking actionable steps toward improvement, I demonstrate how challenges can become opportunities to enhance grit and support lifelong learning. Whether guiding my students or refining my own practices, I’m learning to celebrate progress, embrace failures, and keep growing.

Self- Differentiated Leadership

Self-differentiated leadership is the key—it’s about maintaining emotional intelligence and focus, even under pressure. This approach empowers leaders to keep a clear vision while staying flexible and deeply connected to their team. In my [Self-Differentiated Leadership] assignment, I explore how managing anxiety, staying calm under pressure, and separating personal emotions from professional objectives can help leaders inspire meaningful change. By embracing this mindset, I aim to foster trust, drive progress, and create a more supportive and resilient learning environment.

Learning Contribution 

Sometimes life has its own timeline, and for me, that meant waiting twelve years to start my master's. And that turned out to be exactly right for me. These two courses, EDLD 5302 and 5304, have transformed my perspective on what it means to be both a teacher and a student in ways I never could have imagined. In my Learning Contribution assignment, I reflect on how discovering Carol Dweck's growth mindset and the Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) has reshaped my approach to teaching and learning. Looking back at this whirlwind semester filled with projects, challenges, research, and a ton of reading, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown—both professionally and personally.