A new stage

Just as introduction, I’ve decided to start this blog mostly for myself, as a place to get my thoughts about teaching out. I’m hoping they’ll be slightly more put together than the general brain plurge that is my Userfile (for those of you who are familiar with that). I used to be able to express myself clearly and concisely, and I’d like to get back into the habit of organizing my thoughts. I imagine as things go on, and I find myself with a full head and a lack of time, it will digress. But that’s ok too. And it’s, of course, easier than emailing every one everything. Feel free to comment too, because I’d love to hear every one’s thoughts on education, from whatever your viewpoint.

As a secondary way of introduction, even though most people know, I just started Summer Institute in the Washington, D.C. Teaching Fellows Program. DC Teaching Fellows is an alternative certification program that recruits both recent college graduates and career changers. My fact o’the day, under No Child Left Behind, teachers certified under alternative teacher programs are somehow considered more “highly qualified” than teachers certified through traditional teacher preparation programs. My faculty advisor from GW mentioned something about Texas, but I admit to waning attention span mid-afternoon. I am excited that I will be considered a “highly qualified” teacher after all of this. Even though I will have more course work to be certified as a both a special education and elementary teacher.

Going back to view points, the thing I am most thankful for thus far is the varied background of my elementary special education cohort. We range in age from 22 to 50. We have among us at least two masters degrees and a law degree. We have a slight east coast concentration, but we have a Californian. We have two fellows who were born outside of the US. I’m thankful for their viewpoints, and I’m hopeful that I can learn from them all.

So, onward with teaching, onward with this adventure, onward with the next stage!