Introduction and Reflection

WNMU Internship Experience

Dear Reader,

Thank you for visiting my page. First, I am writing to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the education leadership program at Western New Mexico University and showcase some of my experiences. My name is Rogelio Levario, and I am excited to share my journey and evolution in the field of education with you.

After graduating from New Mexico State University in May of 2013, I embarked on a teaching career in August of the same year. My initial experience drove me to pursue an alternative license in education from the state of New Mexico, allowing me to grow and further contribute to the field. I taught sixth-grade science for eight years and became deeply passionate about education. This passion drove me to pursue a master's degree in education leadership from WNMU. 

As a teacher leader, I actively participated in my school's core team, where I played a vital role in developing our 90-day plan. This experience allowed me to contribute to the strategic planning and decision-making processes at the school level. Collaborating with administrators, fellow teachers, and staff, I helped shape the direction of our school and worked towards achieving our shared goals.

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As a mentor, I was privileged to support and guide fellow teachers in their professional growth. I provided instructional support, shared best practices, and offered feedback to help them enhance their teaching strategies. Through this mentorship role, I developed solid relationships and fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within our school community.

During the 2020-2021 school year, I had the opportunity to participate in the TeachPlus Change Agent project, which further solidified my commitment to educational leadership. This project allowed me to delve deeper into educational leadership and explore innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by our education system. Through research, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement with educational stakeholders, I developed a comprehensive plan to improve student outcomes and foster inclusive learning environments. This enriching experience allowed me to grow as a leader and advocate for positive change within our education system.

As a science content specialist for the Deming Public School District, I have had the privilege of working closely with teachers and administrators to help in vital steps necessary to reach the goals of their 90-Day plans. Through these experiences, I discovered the importance of collaboration and establishing a community of learning where all stakeholders work together towards a common goal.

Throughout this education leadership program, I have had the privilege of gaining invaluable insights and skills. One of my most significant lessons was the importance of inclusivity and equity in education. In today's rapidly evolving world, it is crucial that our education system adapts to meet the needs of all learners, both now and in the future. 

Furthermore, through this experience, I had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions across the country. Through engaging discussions and shared aspirations, I have learned that education leadership is not just about leading but also about continually learning and growing. These interactions provided a rich learning experience as we shared insights, strategies, and success stories, ultimately broadening our perspectives on educational leadership. The program's emphasis on collaboration and networking has equipped me with a robust professional network and a support system to lean on as I continue my journey as an education leader.

Overall, my education leadership experience has taught me the significance of collaboration, strategic planning, and fostering a learning community. It has reinforced my commitment to students and teachers and the need to continually adapt and evolve our practices to meet the needs of all learners. I am excited to bring these experiences and insights into my future leadership roles as I work towards building strong foundations and relationships in the field of education.

As I reflect on my internship experience, I am grateful for the opportunities it provided me to apply what I have learned in a real-world setting. It has reinforced my passion for education leadership and solidified my commitment to positively impacting students' lives.

I am excited to take the next step in my journey as an education leader and contribute to the ongoing transformation of our education system. To the faculty and staff from the College of Education at WNMU,  thank you for reading this portfolio and providing me with the platform to grow personally and professionally. To my mentors, I owe you this amazing journey and the many experiences that have helped shape the educator and aspiring leader that I am. To any other reader who wanders to my page, I hope this snapshot of my experience and education gives you a well-rounded view of who I am.  

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Thank you!