I just popped in during a slack moment to see what was going on, saw some questions, so I thought I’d fill you in on the exciting stuff that Bill mentioned over in the Don’t Leave thread.
I recently (end of May) endured my fourth layoff (ethanol’s not what it’s cracked up to be) from industry/manufacturing in the last six years. Layoffs make it kind of tough to survive let alone prepare for the future, and it sort of soured me a bit on Corporate America employment. So after much family discussion and lots of prayer, I’ve decided to go back to school full time. I figured two pretty safe types of employment are school teachers and mortitians. For some reason, I ended up chosing the educational field. Actually, it’s something that I’d wished I’d gone into from the start.
I am pursuing my Masters degree in teaching with the aim of teaching high school mathematics soon. I’m in my first semester right now at Rockford College and expect to be done either in Fall '08 or the following spring. We’re surviving on unemployment benefits, Mary’s income, and my four part time jobs at the moment, well, three now that soccer coaching just ended. Unemployment benefits for me end in December so we’re not sure how we’ll survive next semester. But we’re not worried about it. It’ll happen somehow. Life is great!
Once I’m done at Rockford college, I’m eyeing the Ed.D program in Educational Administration at nearby Northern Illinois University. I’m trying to get it set up right now and pursue the doctorate while I’m working. My plans are to teach in the classroom for the next five to ten years then move into administration. Of course, that’s quite a ways down the road and with my past employment history as proof, anything can happen.
I’ll keep in touch, it’s just that right now things are sort of hectic. You can always reach me at yoopers at verizon dottnett. I’m off to write more papers.
I’m off to school. I have my bookbag and my lunch and Mommy is going to see me to the bus.
I was wondering what was going on in your life. Im glad you have it planned and have goals set. How far away is the school, have you rode your coker there yet?
Glad to hear that you’re ok, and that your absense hasn’t had anything to do with health problems. Best of of luck with your goals…you’ll be a good teacher.
My dear Bruce, it so nice to hear from you again. Your presence has been missed here in the community.
You have always been a teacher, dear, and life has now led you there. Unfortunately, it is sometimes a slow and complex path on the way. I am so glad for the high school students who will now have you as a presence in their lives.
MA echoes my sentiment exactly. You’ve been an exemplary father to your children, and similarly, you’ll make a lasting positive impression on those students who are graced by your tutelage.
I am saddened to hear your time in industry left you with a bitter taste in your mouth, but it seems like this was the catalyst needed to effect a change for the better. I hope you find happiness on your new career path… I believe there are few higher callings in life than for one to devote his life to educating others.
Hey, Bruce,
That’s great! Way to turn a bad situation into an opportunity. Being an older student is kind of fun. I did it. Cathwood’s been doing it, she’s pobably getting close to done if she isn’t already…
All the best. One of my friends, who is 40+ years old just finished his degrees and certification in special ed. Pretty cool.
When I got my MS at Michigan tech, there was a strict no chewing tobacco in the lecture hall. When the professor announced that, about half the guys in the class and a few of the girls stood up with their styrofoam “coffee” cups and headed for the trash receptacle before class resumed.
Wahoo! Just finished finals for the semester this morning! I went through classes in Classroom Management, Education Psychology, Survey of Exceptional Children (special ed.), and Field Experience. Nailed an “A” in all classes. Here’s to the first 4.0 semester with three more semesters to go. I haven’t made straight A’s since seventh grade. I may just graduate Summa Cum Luckey yet.
