I've talked a lot on here about leaving my position as the preschool teacher and moving to a position teaching children with vision impairments. I wanted to do this for so long but when we actually started working and when the first syllabus came in from Western Michigan, the doubt started creeping back in.
What if I'm too old to learn anything else?
What if my brain is already FULL?
What if my fingers are too rittled with arthritis to learn braille (not sure where that particular hysterical rant came from since I do not currently have arthritis, but I still thought of it)?
What if I can't figure out all of the technology of having online classes? I did go to school during the time of actually GOING to class with a real live professor standing up front teaching.
But, after I had my little breakdown, I drank some whiskey and I'm so much better. Seriously!! I really think I can do this (as long as I lay off the whiskey....braille and whiskey probably don't mix).
So, now I'm really excited about this job and going back to school. My kids are so great and the teachers have been really nice to work with (well, not one but I'm TRYING to be positive here people).
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Healthy Harrison
Harrison had his 12 year check up today. He is as healthy as a horse, according to the doc. Also, he has a clean bill of health to do sports this fall at school. The doc asked about his heart murmur and if he had been cleared by a cardiologist. He got a clean bill of health at around age 8 or 9 from the cardio. She said the hole was closed but the docs may hear an echo. Dr. Lewis listened for a long time and never heard anything, thank goodness.
In addition to his regular physical, he got the sports physical paperwork signed so he can play sports at school. He is going to do Cross Country this fall. Practices start July 15. He is supposed to be running every day but only gets to run a few times each week due to swim team and playing with his friends. He has to be able to run at least 3 miles without stopping by July 15th. He can already do that so I am not worried about him. I do need to get him a couple of more pairs of running shoes. He wears them out FAST with all the running.
In the winter, he will hopefully, play Basketball and in the spring he will do Track. He will be super busy but that is best for Harrison. He does better at school if he is busy and has less down time.
One funny thing happened today on the way back from the doctor's office. We were listening to the radio and there was a commercial about "Red, White and Boom". When he heard it, he whipped his head around and asked, "did they just say Red, White and BOOB???" HAHA, the mind of a middle schooler.
In addition to his regular physical, he got the sports physical paperwork signed so he can play sports at school. He is going to do Cross Country this fall. Practices start July 15. He is supposed to be running every day but only gets to run a few times each week due to swim team and playing with his friends. He has to be able to run at least 3 miles without stopping by July 15th. He can already do that so I am not worried about him. I do need to get him a couple of more pairs of running shoes. He wears them out FAST with all the running.
In the winter, he will hopefully, play Basketball and in the spring he will do Track. He will be super busy but that is best for Harrison. He does better at school if he is busy and has less down time.
One funny thing happened today on the way back from the doctor's office. We were listening to the radio and there was a commercial about "Red, White and Boom". When he heard it, he whipped his head around and asked, "did they just say Red, White and BOOB???" HAHA, the mind of a middle schooler.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Back to School
No, I'm not talking about all the school supply sales. I'm not talking about next school year either. I AM talking about me going back to school to add on another teaching certification. I have wanted to add on the visual impairment certification for quite a few years but the timing was just never right. Every year I keep thinking that I should just bite the bullet and do it but never have. Well, I'm biting that bullet.
In Kentucky, there is only one university that has the certification program for Teacher of the Visually Impaired. I was so excited to get registered at University of Louisville. I only needed 6 more classes according to their website. I was totally blown out of the water when I received an email stating I could not register for the program because the state of KY had suspended their program to anyone not already enrolled due to lack of funding. They have to offer the classes to people currently taking classes but won't let anyone else register. I was so disappointed. I was very mad. I was an email writing maniac. I tried EVERYTHING short of bribery and threats to get in their program for the classes. I mean, seriously, it's only 6 classes. They are going to offer them anyway. Why can't they let me take them?
The professor at U of L was great about emailing me different schools across the United States who offered the program. The bad thing about taking classes from another state is that I live in Ky and can't be traveling every weekend to some other state. He finally emailed me a booklet listing all of the universities across the USA that offered the certification. My name is all over the place. I emailed no less that 10 universities trying to find a program that fits my situation.
Well, I did it. I found a great program that is very well known for being a great program. I will be attending Western Michigan University from the comfort of my own home. I will be doing most of the classes online (which I have never done before). I say "most" because next summer I will be moving to Michigan for the hands on classes. I am so excited about this. The program is a Master's program. I never thought about getting another Master's degree. I already have one so I didn't really think I needed another one. But, this opportunity is too good to pass up. There is a grant that helps with tuition so that really helps a LOT!!
This whole process has made me think that MAYBE I could go and get my PhD. I have some friends who are going through the "doc" program at UK in special education. I could do it too. I don't really want to teach at the college level but I would love the degree just for me.
In Kentucky, there is only one university that has the certification program for Teacher of the Visually Impaired. I was so excited to get registered at University of Louisville. I only needed 6 more classes according to their website. I was totally blown out of the water when I received an email stating I could not register for the program because the state of KY had suspended their program to anyone not already enrolled due to lack of funding. They have to offer the classes to people currently taking classes but won't let anyone else register. I was so disappointed. I was very mad. I was an email writing maniac. I tried EVERYTHING short of bribery and threats to get in their program for the classes. I mean, seriously, it's only 6 classes. They are going to offer them anyway. Why can't they let me take them?
The professor at U of L was great about emailing me different schools across the United States who offered the program. The bad thing about taking classes from another state is that I live in Ky and can't be traveling every weekend to some other state. He finally emailed me a booklet listing all of the universities across the USA that offered the certification. My name is all over the place. I emailed no less that 10 universities trying to find a program that fits my situation.
Well, I did it. I found a great program that is very well known for being a great program. I will be attending Western Michigan University from the comfort of my own home. I will be doing most of the classes online (which I have never done before). I say "most" because next summer I will be moving to Michigan for the hands on classes. I am so excited about this. The program is a Master's program. I never thought about getting another Master's degree. I already have one so I didn't really think I needed another one. But, this opportunity is too good to pass up. There is a grant that helps with tuition so that really helps a LOT!!
This whole process has made me think that MAYBE I could go and get my PhD. I have some friends who are going through the "doc" program at UK in special education. I could do it too. I don't really want to teach at the college level but I would love the degree just for me.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Middle School Honors Band
This year was Harrison's first year to try out for the middle school Honors Band. Being a band director's son, he didn't really have the option to NOT try out for it. He auditioned on trumpet and baritone. He plays the trumpet in class and has learned to play the baritone just for fun at home. I am proud to say he was one of only a few to audition on 2 instruments. Long story short, he is the 2nd alternate on trumpet so he probably won't be called to play trumpet. However, he came in 3rd on baritone!!!! Not bad considering he was competing with all the middle school 6th graders in the county. He is so proud of himself. Here is a pic of us toasting the next night when we got the results. Don't worry, it is sparkling grape juice!!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
How did "HE" know I needed that?
I am constantly amazed at how I always get a "message" at just the right time. I can be having a terrible day and question the choices in my life and... BAM...I get a message that brings it all in perspective. The last couple of times I have read a particular friends quotes on FB (you know how you are little lady), it has been something that I NEEDED to read at that time. It has happened at least 3 times recently and happened again today at our faculty meeting.
I have been feeling really bad about my class and my choice of teaching in general. I always start feeling this way when I get overwhelmed. Today, we had a whole meeting about "getting over myself" and the feelings, hang-ups, etc that we all have that stand in our way. It was just what I needed to hear. Sometimes (OK, many times), I let my feelings get hurt or get angry at people and, let me tell you, it is HARD to let it go. I can seriously hold a grudge!! But today we talked about just letting things go and doing what we need to do to "get over ourselves". At first I thought, this is crazy and a waste of my time, but as our administrative dean kept talking, I thought, "dang, she is making sense and is up there, brave enough to say what I am thinking about my classroom, students, how I feel.
So, thanks God for putting message this in my path. Keep it up, big guy!!!
I have been feeling really bad about my class and my choice of teaching in general. I always start feeling this way when I get overwhelmed. Today, we had a whole meeting about "getting over myself" and the feelings, hang-ups, etc that we all have that stand in our way. It was just what I needed to hear. Sometimes (OK, many times), I let my feelings get hurt or get angry at people and, let me tell you, it is HARD to let it go. I can seriously hold a grudge!! But today we talked about just letting things go and doing what we need to do to "get over ourselves". At first I thought, this is crazy and a waste of my time, but as our administrative dean kept talking, I thought, "dang, she is making sense and is up there, brave enough to say what I am thinking about my classroom, students, how I feel.
So, thanks God for putting message this in my path. Keep it up, big guy!!!
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