Degree Plan

Part 1: Degree Plan Sketch

In this area, create a timeline or sketch of your degree plan. This may be a 2 year plan or more.

In two and half year I would like to have finished my Bachelor degree for Elementary
Education in National Louis. I would like to be teaching in CPS school. I would like to be teaching
sixth grade science class because I choice science as my concentration. Being able to teach sixth
graders how the world of science is interesting. I would be able to use technology in my lessons. I
would use hands on lessons as well of auditory lesson so that my student would have a better
understand. I would continue to educate myself also. I would look for better ways to teach my subjects.
I would interact with my students. I would offer after school help for students that would need that
extra time. I would be involve in school activities. Try to get parents involve. After I have a few years
of experience I would like to go back to school to receive a masters in elementary education. I would
also like to become a principal in an elementary school.
Part 2: Career Plan Sketch:
In this space, you will define who you are, how you have gotten here, what is important to you, and
most importantly, where you want to go with your life. In each of these sections, respond using
complete sentences and paragraphs.
Section 1. INTRODUCTION: Compose a brief introduction of yourself, who you are, where you grew up,
what has influenced you, and what is important to you.

My name is Carina Tapia I am twenty three years. I am a very shy person, but I am
slowly breaking my shed. I love to listen to music. I grew up in the south side of Chicago. My
neighborhood is not the best, but that did not influence me in anyway. I have three brothers two
older and one younger. I try to be the best role model for my youngest brother. I try to teach him
that dreams may be hard to accomplish, but not impossible. I come from a Hispanic household.
My parent immigrated from Mxico at a young age. They did not really finish their education
there and when they arrived here instead of going to school they worked. So when they had
children themselves they pushed us and encouraged us to go school and become the best we
could become. My parents influenced me to push myself in my education. They are my
motivators in everything I do. My family is very important to me. My little brothers is very
important to me. My family is the reason why I try so hard in school because I want to be able to
help them in the future financially how they are helping through school now. My education is
also important. However, when I become a teacher what is going to matter to me is to be a
positive influence on the children that I will be teaching.
Section 2. YOUR DREAM: What do you want for yourself?

My dream is to one day become an elementary school principle. To achieve my dream I

would like to finish my education with the best grades as possible. My dream job is a place I
where I would meet teachers who have experience and can give me advice on how to become a
good teacher for my students After I teach for a few years I would like to start traveling to
different countries to teach children who are not able to get a good education. I want to be able
teach children about science. I want show them that science is not boring that its actually an
awesome subject to learn. I want my future students to be able to come to me for anything. I

Degree Plan
would like them to feel safe to speak their mind in my classroom. I would want my classroom to
be a safe environment. I want to be able to make my lesson fun, but educational so that my
student would not lose interest in class. I want my student to be able to come to when they do not
understand something. I want to be in a stable environment for the children.
Section 3: PERSONAL STRENGTHS: What strengths do you bring to this decision, and what personal
traits will you have to develop?

Some of the strengths I have are that I am a very patient person. I do not let the pressure
get to me, but if it does I do not let others see it. I love being able to teach others. I am able to
listen and respect students. I am creative. I am a very organization person. I would never stop
smiling. I have the passion for my subject. I have the ability to relate with students. I am
optimistic I do not let no challenge get the best of me.
Section 4: MAJOR INTERESTS: Describe the major interests that direct your career choice.

The major interests that direct to my career choice was when I did community service in
my old elementary school I realize that I love interacting with the kids. When teaching children
and then having them understand how to add made me feel great. I like having a feeling that I
could influence children to want to be the best students they could be. I have always loved
learning about science. Many of my peers always thought science was boring, but for me it was
it was just the way some teacher taught it. That is why I choice to teach sixth grade science class.
I would like to teach kids that science is not a boring subject it could actually be fun to learn.
Section 5: PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: What professional skills do you possess?

I am able to work in teamwork environment. I am able to communicate with the students,

parents, and other teachers. I am some flexibility in the classroom. I have strong presentation
skills are strong. By having this strength student can feel more involved and I would not lose
their attention. Finding fun ways to teach the students. Being able to children involved in the
lesson.
Section 6: CAREER INFORMATION: What information have you gathered so far about the career/s of
your choice? What do you know about this job market? What education, training, and skills will you
need to be successful?

The information that I have gathered about the career that I have chosen is that you need
to have a bachelors degree in elementary education. You need to have certain hours where u
observe in the classroom, where you assist in the classroom and finally where you teach a
classroom. You need to be prepared to be able to teach typical and atypical students. What I
know about the job market is that teachers are getting laid off but in certain school there is a
shortness of teachers. I know that public school have a higher demand for teachers that private
ones. I also know that there is a debate on how much a teachers need to be paid. Some of the
skills and train that I would need to have to be successful is a good knowledge, interest and
experience in the subject that I would be teaching. Have good communication skills. Being able
to know how my student learn and make up my lesson around that way. Have Patience.
Be considerate and empathy with my students. I need to have the ability to continually learn as
myself as my subject changes. Knowing how to use technology in my classroom. I need to have
good preparation and planning skills. Finally, being able to make my lesson fun and interacting
so that my subject will have fun and learn at the same time.

Degree Plan

Section 7: PRESENT PLAN: Outline your present career plan, the parts involved in making it happen,
and the time line

Currently taking class that are transferable in community college. While attending
community college I received my Associates degree in Arts. Planning to attend National Louis to
get my bachelors degree in elementary education in the spring of 2015. I am still attend
community college because I am still able to take a few more prerequisites classes that can be
transferred over to NLU. Studying to take my Act test that is a requirement to enter the program.
As soon as I pass the test I would be eligible to start. NLU. When entering NLU I would still
need to take a few more prerequisites classes. I would need to take Elementary education
(Practicum I Seminar/ Field Experience) where I need to find a school and do 40 hours
observations while taking another class that is called History and Philosophy of Education. As
soon as I done with these final prerequisites I would be able to start the program.
Part 3: You have just completed seven (7) exercises of self-assessment. You should have a better
picture of who you are, and what is important to you. Below you will find an outline for an
Implementation Plan. This Implementation Plan should have at least six (6) sections in it. Use this
outline and fill in information under each heading to complete your plan.
1.

Career Objective/goals: This section should be specific so the employer can match your request to
an opening.

To build a long-term career as an elementary teacher with opportunities for career

growth. I would like to use my skill in my subject to teach students. I would also work to
perform administrative tasks and responsibilities. To gain experience in the field that would
help me in the future to be able to obtain a positions as an elementary school principal.
2. Education: This section should contain a list of your current college experience and your future
plans for completing your degree and certification/licensure.

Richard J Daley College, Chicago, IL. Graduates: May 2014 with an

Associates Degree in Arts

Latino Youth High School, Chicago, IL. Graduated: June 2011

3. Experience: This section should contain a list of the work experiences that support your
anticipated career in some way.

Florence Nightingale Elementary School

Summer School Teacher Assistant
Maintained a neat, orderly, clean classroom
Supervised student arrival and departure as per school policy
Aid children with their school work
Florence Nightingale Elementary School
Summer School Teacher Assistant
Supervise childrens safety
Graded and organized papers

Degree Plan

Prepared and made copies of study material and learning aids that
were distributed to students
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Community Schools Initiative program
Helped students with homework
Supervised them during physical activity
Supervised them during snack time
Created arts and crafts activities
Created educational activities to play with the student

4. Special Skills: This section is the place those operational skills you have developed so far in your
professional career, which apply to your anticipated job request.

I am proficient with Power point and Microsoft Word. Another skill that I have is that
I am bilingual I am fluent in Spanish. I am also capable of maintaining patience during a hectic
situation. I am good with people. I have been trained on how to use a smart board. I also have
good organizational skills
5.

References: Usually it is NOT A GOOD IDEA to list references until the employer shows an interest
in you, unless you have been requested to apply for a job. Create a tentative list of professional
references.

Monica Higgins-Young- Computer Lab Manager

Kendra Fisher -Computer Lab Assistant
Majeda Kanan- Computer Lab Assistant

6. Timeline: This section lets the employer know when you will be available for employment in their
organization.

I would be available to work has soon as I receive my Bachelors Degree from

National Louis University. My approximate graduation is in the fall of 2016.