Ryan Fernandes

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Is not an uncommon interview question. Unlike most educators, I am beginning my career as an administrator and looking to 'take a step backwards' to become a classroom teacher. My goal is to someday have my own classroom where I can combine my love of mathematics and technology to prepare students for their futures. I feel like this is where I can have the most positive effect on future generations. In 5 years I see myself as a successful classroom teacher who is a district technology leader while continuing to learn everyday.

Subject Area Goals

Continuing education is not limited to advanced degrees and certifications. Jim Moulton says practicing your craft is an essential way to become a life long learner. In his Edutopia article 'It's important to Practice What We Teach' Moulton refers to art teachers, many of whom are artists in their own time as having an ideal relationship with their students. Art teachers are both the apprentice and the master in their craft. He suggests science teachers should be performing research projects at home, business teachers should be entrepreneurs and literature teachers should be writers themselves.

I am currently more successful at achieving this in my education minor, Physical Education, than my major, Mathematics. I workout, jog and play soccer in my personal life but in order for me to be a better math teacher, mathematics should play a more active role in my personal life too. More than just calculating the best deal at the supermarket I mean. Moulton suggests math teachers could be engineers or treasurers but I can see myself as a statistician. Although I do not want to limit myself, one thing that is clear is that there should be a role for math in my personal life in order for me to be a successful teacher.