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.
