I am dipping my toes back into the pool of academia, it seems.
Nearly 20 years post-baccalaureate, I have decided that I was wrong (all those years ago) to reject going into teaching. After my experiences of the last couple years, I have decided that I am, in fact, willing to do something I love in spite of the rather onerous burdens currently being placed on teachers and students in my state (and as I hear, all the states).
I realized, rather suddenly — and I am ashamed to admit it took so long, that it is even more important now for students to have good teachers. NOT so they can pass the high-stakes tests and get into colleges (for I believe that not everyone can or should attend college), but so there is someone who is able to take the few moments still available in the over-scheduled classroom and make the curriculum live for those students. And, for those students who have been placed above their developmental ability, to have a teacher who can take them where they are and move them forward while advocating for better placement.
That last paragraph may seem rather sophomoric to experienced teachers… let’s just say I have seen teachers engaging the children in their studies, modifying as much as possible the curriculum to meet the actual needs of the class in front of them, rather than simply relying on the set curriculum they must teach from. This was, for me, a very real revelation — to know that it can be done. I have seen students who seemed very disinterested, suddenly engage when presented with a slightly different take on the material. This was not a revelation, but so energizing and empowering (for both myself and the learners) that it made the rest of the slog seem manageable.
I do not delude myself into thinking that I shall be the uber-teacher. Ever. No, I imagine I will be a “fair to middlin’ sort” and reach some kids while completely missing others. I suspect I will some days go home in tears, and stay up late most nights trying to figure out how to help the children who are not able to keep up (and failing to find a solution), and get upset many times when the support isn’t there for a student who just needs “a little extra” something. I know that I, like other teachers, will not have nearly the energy or time I need to keep the most capable students completely challenged and engaged while keeping most of the class working at a comfortable speed…
The list is long.
But of course, first I need to fill out those undergrad credits that turn out to be lacking in the very areas I need!!!! (ARRGH) THEN I can apply for the Master’s program…
I just hope I can meet all the requirements without going crazy!
Oh. And I managed to get up the courage to ask Tom if we could afford it last week, signed up yesterday and start classes Monday.
Oh oh… and the kids are now home on summer vacation! *grin* This is going to be an interesting summer
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