Example of a Professional Goal Statement: Doctoral Program in Special Education

I have had the opportunity to work in Special Education as a paraprofessional and teacher, both in the public and private spheres. These experiences have created a passion in me to work in this field and learn more about it. As a consequence, I am presently completin a !asters and be innin my "octorate #ro ram, all in Special Education. I am currently takin one doctorate course this semester and plan to start fulltime in the $all. Since I am still in the early sta es of the pro ram, my interests are diverse and I reco ni%e that there is much to learn re ardin Special Education as a whole. &evertheless three areas of specific interest for me include readin disabilities, early intervention, and teacher education, which I expand upon in what follows. A key component throu hout my six years of professional experience has been workin with students with readin disabilities. In this time, I have become exposed to different methods and ways of teachin students. In turn, I am ea er to become well'read in the literature around readin disabilities and do my own research in the area. #resently, I plan to pursue a minor related to this area. (oncurrently, I am interested in early intervention specifically related to learnin disabilities. I have had the opportunity to act as the Assessment (oordinator for the (hildren)s School Success pro*ect for the last academic year. This rant measures the effects of a curriculum in +ead Start pro rams in ,est -ir inia and has allowed me access to data measurin the effects of early intervention. This experience has reaffirmed my passion to research and become active in this area in some way.

$inally, I am interested in teacher education and professional development. Specifically, I am interested in fosterin a reater awareness of learnin disabilities and providin tools and support for teachers that enable them to help their students reach their potential. I am currently workin on my !aster)s thesis of a multiple case study on three +ead Start teachers and their beliefs about literacy and intervention. In my first fulltime year as a doctorate student, I hope to refine my focus and better understand the options that are available for me. This includes expandin my knowled e of research methodolo ies by takin classes in qualitative and sin le sub*ect desi n. I also am excited about the prospect of supervisin practicum students and eventually teachin courses. (urrently, I see my future raduate education and research at I. as relevant and important in the classroom. !aintainin a close connection between the academic and classroom contexts is somethin I value and will reflect in my work. I am unsure of what direction I will pursue at this time after completion of the pro ram. #ossible options include academics, teacher trainin throu h resource centers, consultin , and/or research. I believe that my fulltime involvement with the pro ram in the upcomin year will help in definin my interests.