Statement of Academic and Professional Goals

My name is Anthony McQueen; my academic and professional goals are intertwined and rely heavy on my academic credentials. My goal is to remain within the field of education and to earn a PhD in K-12 Education, this degree is imperative in order to advance into positions of greater responsibility and knowledge. I have my North Carolina and New York State Teaching Certification in Secondary Education (General Science grades 6-9), an Associate degree in Computer Networking, BS in Biology/Chemistry, also 30+ graduate hours  in Organizational Management with a Focus on Technology, my Masters degree in Education: Specialization in Curricular and Instruction with a Focus on Technology, a Masters Level Certification in Online Teaching and I am presently obtaining my Masters Level Certification in Instructional Design for Online Learning.

I have taught kindergarten thru college for several years, sixteen to be exact. I started teaching after I graduated from college, first teaching Science in the South Bronx, NYC at  Evander Childs High School and then at CES 42 (also located in the South Bronx), where I taught Math and Science to grades k-6. Teaching in the South Bronx for six years at times seemed extremely difficult, however being born and raised in this urban jungle allowed me the honor of watching, guiding and helping young people rise above their environment.

The birth of my son found my family and I relocating to Atlanta, Ga. where I substitute taught for two years. I then moved to North Carolina where I have taught middle school Math and Science for three years, and Computer Networking at Wake Technical Community College for two years. I decided to enter the online masters program  at Capella University (Specializing in Curricular and Instruction: Focus on Technology) because I am  excited about technology and the promise it brings to the future for all Americans. Since obtaining my Masters degree and Certification in Online Teaching,  I have began teaching Physical Science at PS/IS 123 to grades 6-8 in the Bronx, NY.

Being a Black American male raised in the South Bronx, I know first hand the need for more positive Black male role models in our urban and rural cities. There is also a great need for teachers and other professionals to help the underprivileged members of our society learn and understand the new ‘Digital World’. As a teacher I try to live up to that positive creed of being a role model, not only in my professional life, but my personal life as well. The PhD of Education degree will afford me the opportunity to help underserved and disadvantaged members of society to bridge the ‘Digital Divide’ gap that exists in America today. The instruction of computers, how computers work and what computers can do for its users is a way of empowerment. Today’s world has many new technologies that have changed the way many schools, institutions, businesses and governments operate. It is therefore the responsibility of today’s instructors to help bridge this digital divide. I plan to help win this fight!