Personal Statement
Delzetha E. Sinclair Smith Masters of Arts in Teaching, BSc. (hons.) Education, Diploma in Teaching
PROFESSIONAL GOAL STATEMENTS
DEGREE/SPECIALISATION: Ed.D. –SPECIAL EDUCATION PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL GOALS: A philosopher once wrote that learning is dynamic; and as such graduate school became a natural progression. Having read for a Masters Degree in teaching, this part of the journey translates into me eventually owning and operating a school that will cater for the whole child, with each grade level being equipped with a special education facilitator. As a teacher it has always been my belief that each child CAN and MUST be given a fair chance to learn in spite of any and every challenge- against this background my desire to do the doctoral study with emphasis in special education became second nature. Special education is still a very untapped field in Jamaica and many parents and even educators still grapple with the issues of how to deal with children with special needs.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES: Graduation from teachers’ college further fuelled the desire and the need to do additional studying in my professional of choice.
This meant reading for a Bachelors of Science (hons) in Elementary Education earned at Temple University. I was fortunate enough to gain a certificate for outstanding work in curriculum. When I read for the Masters again I did two courses that spoke to special education and the need to make it an integral part of our social consciousness. Too many children and their parents still are in the dark about dealing with special needs. Children, even at the high end of the special education continuum, face frustrations and even the disintegration of their families as they question themselves and the society about their challenges.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: I pride myself on being a “research junkie.” From days at college, this was one area that fascinated me and gave me oomph. For my Bachelors’ degree, we did not any
PROFESSIONAL GOAL STATEMENTS
DEGREE/SPECIALISATION: Ed.D. –SPECIAL EDUCATION PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL GOALS: A philosopher once wrote that learning is dynamic; and as such graduate school became a natural progression. Having read for a Masters Degree in teaching, this part of the journey translates into me eventually owning and operating a school that will cater for the whole child, with each grade level being equipped with a special education facilitator. As a teacher it has always been my belief that each child CAN and MUST be given a fair chance to learn in spite of any and every challenge- against this background my desire to do the doctoral study with emphasis in special education became second nature. Special education is still a very untapped field in Jamaica and many parents and even educators still grapple with the issues of how to deal with children with special needs.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES: Graduation from teachers’ college further fuelled the desire and the need to do additional studying in my professional of choice.
This meant reading for a Bachelors of Science (hons) in Elementary Education earned at Temple University. I was fortunate enough to gain a certificate for outstanding work in curriculum. When I read for the Masters again I did two courses that spoke to special education and the need to make it an integral part of our social consciousness. Too many children and their parents still are in the dark about dealing with special needs. Children, even at the high end of the special education continuum, face frustrations and even the disintegration of their families as they question themselves and the society about their challenges.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: I pride myself on being a “research junkie.” From days at college, this was one area that fascinated me and gave me oomph. For my Bachelors’ degree, we did not any