Jacqueline Barreras is applying for a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Elementary Reading Literacy. She currently teaches 4th grade dual language and wants to advance her education to become better prepared to help students improve their reading abilities. She ultimately aims to mentor other teachers and help them implement more effective reading strategies. Her experience includes teaching various grade levels during her undergraduate internships and two years teaching dual language. She is drawn to Walden University because its self-paced program will allow her to balance her career and personal life while achieving her goal of a master's degree.

1. Jacqueline Barreras
Professional Goal Statement
Degree and Specialization:
I am currently applying for Master of Science in Education - Specializing in
Elementary Reading Literacy Program.
Personal/Professional Goals:
My personal goal is to advance my education and accomplish my professional
goals as an effective teacher. Since my teaching career has begun two years
ago, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of students that have
weaknesses in different subject matters such as reading. Since my encounter
with these students, my interest in advancing my education has increased.
Receiving my M.S. in Elementary reading will not only further my education but I
will be better prepared to bring students up to par in one of the most critical
subject matters such as reading. In addition, with my specialization in reading, I
will be able to mentor other teachers and help them use more successful
strategies in the reading area. Presently I have a bachelors of arts in Elementary
Education with ESOL endorsement and I’m a fourth grade dual language
teacher. Currently I focus in the areas of reading and writing. My desire for
becoming a teacher has been fulfilled when I finally began my career; however, I
continue to look for other challenging opportunities to help keep teaching my
lifetime passion. Since I can remember, I’ve wanted a career that makes a
difference in everyday life. While working with several mentors during my grade
school years, I have realized that a teaching career will not only provide me with
a challenging opportunity but also it will allow me to make a difference. Due to
my dedication and passion for this field, I will be able to inspire the youth of
tomorrow to not only accomplish their short and long term goals but to achieve
success.
Academic Experience:
I currently hold a BA in Elementary Education with ESOL endorsement. During
the time I attended the education program at Florida Atlantic University I had the
opportunity to complete my internships in various grade levels. I taught lessons
and provided activities for students in grades 1-4. My final internship before
graduation was in the second grade level where I was able to apply the
strategies and skills I acquired throughout my undergraduate studies in the
classroom. This internship lasted four months. Furthermore, during my
internship, I had a chance to complete a child study based on reading. During
this study I learned how to accurately assess a child to determine his/her reading
proficiency and apply different strategies in order to improve their reading
abilities base on the data I collected. Before completing my internship, I was
offered a position as a second grade dual language teacher for the school year
2009 - 2010. My areas of instruction were reading, social studies, writing, and
science. For this school year, 2010-2011 I have the privilege of teaching fourth
grade dual language. The dual language program has offered me a wider range
of experiences and knowledge. This program allows students to become

2. bilingual and bilateral while being instructed in both languages; English and
Spanish. This program prepares students for our diverse society.
Research Experience:
My former and current team members have completed different researches that
include student data, Florida state standards, newly implemented strategies for
a specific content area, etc. Even though we complete these researches as a
team, we plan and modify our instruction according to each of our students’
needs.
Work/Other Experience
Currently, I am a teacher at Berkshire Elementary. This is my second year
teaching in the classroom. As previously noted, I am currently teaching in the
fourth grade dual language program. With the new departmentalization method,
I have 20 students in each class. Because I switch the language of my
instruction weekly, I’m consistently doing research, planning, and putting
together interesting thematic unit to help each individual student understand the
concepts being taught. On the weekends, I privately tutor students in different
subject areas. I mainly tutor students who English is a second language. With our
diverse population in Florida, being a bilingual teacher has helped me come
across a wide range of students and provide different services in order to get
them to par. Before beginning my teaching career, I was a substitute and
aftercare counselor. I worked in these positions for about three years. I received
the most experience during these three years. Substituting gave me the
advantage of meeting different teachers and having them become my mentor. In
addition, substituting also provided me with the experience of working with
different students such as students that are in the exceptional student education
program and students who are learning English.
Personal Qualities:
Throughout my undergraduate studies and career, my colleagues have always
categorized me to be well organized, considerate, understanding, trust-worthy,
over achiever, and most important structured. My previous life experiences have
taught me many things; however, the most important things are communication
and an open relationship with your team members. As a young adult, I have come
across many life obstacles and struggles. These life experiences have helped me
become a stronger person. Being this stronger person, has allowed me to
achieve my short and long term goals.
Why Walden:
Between juggling a full-time career and a personal life, Walden University allows
me to achieve my personal goal while trying to balance a busy lifestyle. The
program allows me to complete the programs at my own pace. This opportunity
will definitely open my doors to a better future and an increase in student
achievement. I trust that Walden University will provide me with the skills needed
to achieve my goals. With their helpful staff and structured program, my path in
the reading program will run smooth. I also understand that the degree program
I am applying for does not provide any type of licensing or certification.