Being Literate in the 21st century is what enables us to share ideas convey information and alter ways of examining. Being literate has gone beyond someone’s ability to just read and write, it requires a wide range of effective communication methods, critical thinking, and a variety of skills in digital literacy.
Effective communication involves having many kinds of abilities that are essential in several different setting and across platforms. In an academic setting student are asked to write essays and reports that are clear and concise in order to effectively argue their views during discussions, and to work cooperatively in groups. In similar ways professionals must manage a wide range of ways to effectively communicate throughout the course of their works. Writing emails, Presentations, and working with other colleges. Regardless of whether students or professionals are working virtually or in person people need to be able to effectively communicate ideas with clarity and persuasion to maintain relationships. Thus, being able to communicate more precisely across different platforms is crucial to being literate today. All the advancements in technology have made being proficient in digital platforms a fundamental component essential to be literate. Digital literacy involves having the skill to use technology to collect, evaluate and produce information. Being proficient on digital platforms extends past having basic computer skills. In an educational settings students need to have a large range of skills in order to further gain knowledge. Students need to have digital literacy skills to evaluate online websites, databases, and accurately cite online sources. In order to teach students this information us educators need be experienced in digital literacy to deliver this information to students weather this be using an online learning platform like google classrooms, Using multimedia presentations like PowerPoint, Videos, and interactive lessons. Having digital literacy skills will allow people to constantly stay updated and adjust to changes in technology. Critical thinking is another fundamental component of being literate in the 21stcentury. In order to successfully go through the large amount of data and facts that are available to people today, we have access to information from a large quantity of sources, such as websites, news channels, and social media. In order to be literate in the twenty-first century, one must use their critical thinking abilities to be able to identify between a fact and opinion use evidence to come to conclusions. If a student was assigned a specific topic and needed to research information about it a critical thinker might look into where the data came from, make sure the data is reliable. Before making a decision whether or not this is a good source, they would find an additional reliable sources and compare the data between the two sources. Critical thinkers is able to make accurate choices that are supported by strong evidence and reasoning by examining and comparing several options, thinking through possible outcomes and consequences, and reviewing the advantages and disadvantages. Being literate is more than just acquiring information and keeping up with the changes in the 21st century; it also means taking part in it, analyzing it, and using it to enhance our knowledge. We are educating ourselves and the next generation with the skills to be successful.
As an educator specializing in elementary special education and general education, I completely agree with Calkins (1994) statement that to be a teacher of reading and writing, one must be a reader and writer oneself. The responsibility of an educator in developing reading and writing abilities exceeds just teaching; it requires an individual representation of these skills. This idea truly connects with me, as I maintain successful instruction involving more than just the delivery of information; it also means inspiring and demonstrating a passion for learning information.
As an educator specializing in special education, I hold an in-depth knowledge of the numerous challenges and needs that my students might encounter when working to develop their literacy abilities. Many of them might encounter difficulties with decoding, writing, reading comprehension, or communicating their ideas in writing. In considering this, my responsibilities go beyond traditional educational strategies; I must demonstrate the skills of a skilled reader and writer to provide my students with the necessary support and reinforcement. As a frequent reader myself, I can comprehend the thought processes involved in reading and can therefore relate with the difficulties my students face. Through a display of comprehension and engagement strategies and sharing of my own reading experiences, I intend to provide an understanding of the reading process and inspire confidence among my students. As a writer I can show a variety of writing techniques, including brainstorming, outlining using graphic organizers and Ven diagrams. While encouraging and guiding my students through the writing process. I recognize the significance of differentiation in literacy instruction as a special education teacher. Every student has different learning styles, weaknesses, and areas of strength. As a proficient reader and writer along with earning a literacy degree I will acquire the skills necessary to customize instruction to the specific needs of every student. By applying personalized interventions, assistive technology, multisensory approaches, and assistive technologies, my goal is to create an inclusive learning environment that promotes the success of every student. I want to motivate and encourage my students to develop into individuals who are continuous learners. Through offering a variety of different genres, authors, and writing styles. I will develop an interest, creativity, and awareness amongst students. Through positive reinforcement I plan to create active readers and writers who experience a sense of self-worth, independence, and motivation.
My Overall professional goal is to become an exemplary and influential educator, proficient in providing to the diverse needs of students in general elementary and special education environments. A vital component in the fulfillment of this goal is my desire to earn a literacy specialist degree, a decision that I am most certainty passionate about and will enhance my teaching abilities.
Obtaining a degree in literacy will enhance my ability to deliver and differentiate instruction and assist a wide variety of students with different learning abilities. Using academic coursework and hands-on experiences, I will acquire the skills necessary to assess the literacy abilities of learners, identify areas that require improvement, and create customized strategies that cater to their unique strengths and needs. This is Particularly critical in special education, where students frequently require differentiated instruction. By implementing an approach that is student-centered, I will enable learners to assume responsibility for their own education and achieve significant progress in the achievement of their educational goals. This goes beyond improving my teaching abilities, earning a literacy specialist degree will further develop my capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork. Special education instruction frequently requires strong cooperation with peers, guardians, and other professionals to formulate and carry out individualized education plans (IEPs) that address the needs of students to be successful. By engaging in collaborative projects, field experiences, and professional development opportunities, I aim to acquire the necessary skills to collaborate efficiently with teams of professionals to guarantee the comprehensive assistance and achievement of students with disabilities.. This will not only enhance my own professional development but also motivate students to develop a love for acquiring knowledge and thoroughly pursue it. This represents my desire to establish myself as a leader in the field of education, advocating and supporting the interests of diverse students and promoting inclusion and fairness in an educational setting.
I am also very passionate about earning a literacy specialist degree because growing up, I faced significant challenges with literacy, as a child, I struggled to grasp, reading, and writing concepts often feeling frustrated and discouraged. These challenged affected my academic performance but also degraded my confidence. As went through my educational journey I saw the impact that being efficient in literacy can have on a person’s life. I started to recognize that people who have strong literacy skills did better in school, work and in life. I thought that because I struggled so much with literacy these opportunities that those people would have been so out of reach for me. This is when I wanted to become a teacher and not only overcome my difficulties with literacy but advocate for others that face similar obstacles. Every individual deserves the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills. As I got to college and worked toward my career in special education and general education, I saw how literacy is a foundation to learning and is a key aspect for kids to reach their full potential. Being in a classroom and witnessing how my student’s improved literacy has changed their lives. They gained confidence and learned to love reading and writing. I want to give back what my teachers gave me, the love, support, and motivation that I need to reach my full potential.
