OT: Going Back to School to Become A Teacher

[duckman]

Well, I've tried going to work in insurance after I was discharged from the Air Force and found that it really wasn't my cup of tea. Too many hours with too little results. Plus, I feeling more like I was being a nuisance than a help for people. So I've given up on this attempt to get back to living a normal life and return to school so I can teach English in high school.

I went to the Veterans' Administration and applied for vocational rehabilitation so that I could get all my school expenses (books, tuition, supplies) paid for. I was approved and I will be attending in the fall. I'm so glad that I can go. I can now go on and become the thing that I've wanted to be since I was 11. I'm really looking forward to going.

Thank you all for the prayers.

[judicial clerk]

That is very exciting. It is so nice that the school will be paid for.

[MacroGuru]

Good Luck Duckman.

I have always wanted to teach and coach, but I lucked into the IT industry, and the paychecks I receive right now outweigh the teaching paychecks to my wife.

So until I win the lottery, or my plays in the stock market amass me money, I truly feel it will be just that for me. A dream.

[duckman]

Good Luck Duckman.

I have always wanted to teach and coach, but I lucked into the IT industry, and the paychecks I receive right now outweigh the teaching paychecks to my wife.

So until I win the lottery, or my plays in the stock market amass me money, I truly feel it will be just that for me. A dream.
Yeah, I can understand it. I know that is not the big bread winner, but happiness isn't about money. I was getting paid well in insurance, but it was just too much of a burden on me. Besides, the $1200 I get from Uncle Sam every month because of my physical problems helps out with the lower income.

[JeeberD]

Don't wash the kids mouths out with soap...

[duckman]

Don't wash the kids mouths out with soap...
Gotcha! ;)

[CamEdwards]

that's great, Duckman. I'm really happy for you.

When you become a teacher, I'd recommend the APOE instead of the OEA as a teachers union. The dues are much cheaper, the liability insurance is as well, and you don't have all of that OEA nonsense to deal with. :)

[Celeval]

Rock on. Good luck, my fiancee did that three years ago - she just now graduated with a Masters in Education, and is loving it.

[duckman]

that's great, Duckman. I'm really happy for you.

When you become a teacher, I'd recommend the APOE instead of the OEA as a teachers union. The dues are much cheaper, the liability insurance is as well, and you don't have all of that OEA nonsense to deal with. :)
Thanks for the info, Cam. Are these both Oklahoma unions? I may teach elsewhere when I graduate. Things would have to improve drastically for me to consider staying in Oklahoma to teach. How is the new job going for you?

[CamEdwards]

Thanks for the info, Cam. Are these both Oklahoma unions? I may teach elsewhere when I graduate. Things would have to improve drastically for me to consider staying in Oklahoma to teach. How is the new job going for you?

Things are going great, thanks.

OEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association, and APOE is the state affiliate of the Association of American Educators.

Where are you going to school, by the way?

[corbes]

Congratulations, duckman, from a fellow teacher.

I respect and admire those who come to teaching as a career change -- they bring such valuable and unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom! And especially you, as a veteran.

Good luck, d, and again -- congrats.

[duckman]

Things are going great, thanks.

OEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association, and APOE is the state affiliate of the Association of American Educators.

Where are you going to school, by the way?
No problem, Cam. Gld to hear you are doing well.

I'll be going to Rose State for my basics and then off to Central Oklahoma to finish up. I've been think about moving out to Arizona after that to start my career.

[Passacaglia]

Good luck, duckman! I'm in my last semester of summer classes, and I'll be student teaching this fall. I'm very excited!

[Super Ugly]

Good luck, dude! Maybe one day I'll have the guts to teach as well.

[Leonidas]

I hope it works. I'm debating right now what to do when I retire from the AF. I have 6 more years. I can take the money and run as a scumsucking contractor for $70-80K or go into teaching like I want for as you know, a whole lot less. Hard choice.

[duckman]

Good luck, duckman! I'm in my last semester of summer classes, and I'll be student teaching this fall. I'm very excited!
Glad to hear about that! I bet it is very exciting for you. Do you have to complete your degree before you student teach? This is the part that I'm still not sure of. I've been trying to get information on that, but I can't seem to find it. My main obstacle is that the VA requires that I have to complete the program in only 48 months. So That means I have to complete my studies by August 2008.

[Joe Canadian]

DON'T DO IT! Teaching is too hard because you can't put soap in kid's mouths!!!! :D

In all seriousness, good luck!!

[korme]

Cool duckman. So your health problems are over?

[duckman]

Cool duckman. So your health problems are over?
No, not really, Shorty. My lower body is a train wreck as I have nerve damage in the right leg, both knees have cartilage damage, and I have a degenerative disc in my lower back which just makes everything worst. The VA counselor wants me to apply for full disablility (100% is $2200/month) so that I don't have to work ever again. I'm too young to think about "retiring". I believe that I have a lot more to give to society than to be a 27 year old retiree.

[Chubby]

Glad to hear about that! I bet it is very exciting for you. Do you have to complete your degree before you student teach? This is the part that I'm still not sure of. I've been trying to get information on that, but I can't seem to find it. My main obstacle is that the VA requires that I have to complete the program in only 48 months. So That means I have to complete my studies by August 2008.


Student teaching usually occurs during the last year of study.

[duckman]

Student teaching usually occurs during the last year of study.
That's good to hear as my counselor is trying to tell me that I have to graduate first to beome a student teacher. I was able to find out on the UCO website that I have to have 3/4 of my studies done before I can participate in student teaching.

[Chubby]

That's good to hear as my counselor is trying to tell me that I have to graduate first to beome a student teacher. I was able to find out on the UCO website that I have to have 3/4 of my studies done before I can participate in student teaching.

Yup, you don't go to normal class the last year. You just student teach, you have to come up with lesson plans and shit so there is regular school work that has to get done while studnet teaching.

The only thing I can think of is that your counselor meant you have to graduate before you can substitute teach but even that's not true.

[duckman]

Okay, I went down today and enrolled. I'm going to try 12 hours this semester to see how it goes. Classes start on August 23. I can pick up my books on the 9th.

[SnDvls]

No problem, Cam. Gld to hear you are doing well.

I'll be going to Rose State for my basics and then off to Central Oklahoma to finish up. I've been think about moving out to Arizona after that to start my career.

My wife teaches out here in Arizona. If you come Chandler and Gilbert are the fastest growing areas that pay well and will have some new high schools and jr. highs in the next few years. Let me know if I can help.

[duckman]

My wife teaches out here in Arizona. If you come Chandler and Gilbert are the fastest growing areas that pay well and will have some new high schools and jr. highs in the next few years. Let me know if I can help.
My brother lived in Chandler for about 5 years after moving back to Oklahoma. I love the Phoenix area. I went there a couple times while he lived there and I fell in love with desert climate. One of my favorite places.

Thanks for the offer. When I do get to that point (graduated) I'll give you a holler. :)

[SFL Cat]

Good luck, duckman. I respect people who choose to answer the call to enter this line of work. I think outside of parents, teachers have a lot to do, both positive and negative, in shaping young lives.

I come from a family of teachers. My mom and step-dad both taught, my sister taught and is now a elementary school principal. One nice benefit is that two month vacation during the summer (unless you teach somewhere where they go year-round).

Any hoo, good luck.

[ScottVib]

FWIW duckman I'm doing the same thing.. only I'm going through Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification program... where it takes people from the professional ranks and puts them through courses for a year and then into the classroom. (My student teaching would be a 4 week period in Jan-Feb)

Well I'm trying to do that... Over 90 applied for 15 spots in the subject area I want to teach (Math).. I made the first cut (to 35) and had my interview today... just need to hope that I was better then at least 20 others.

[albionmoonlight]

Good luck.

[duckman]

FWIW duckman I'm doing the same thing.. only I'm going through Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification program... where it takes people from the professional ranks and puts them through courses for a year and then into the classroom. (My student teaching would be a 4 week period in Jan-Feb)

Well I'm trying to do that... Over 90 applied for 15 spots in the subject area I want to teach (Math).. I made the first cut (to 35) and had my interview today... just need to hope that I was better then at least 20 others.
I'm sure you'll do fine. If you want it bad enough then you'll get it.

[GrantDawg]

Good luck both of you. I wish I could do that. :)

[Mike D]

I would be afraid the class would want to beat me up after school....good luck!

[GrantDawg]

I would be afraid the class would want to beat me up after school....good luck!
Well, with your personality...:)

[duckman]

Well, with your personality...:)
Zing!

[duckman]

Tomorrow I go to the college to finally pick up my books and my supplies. They were redoing the software for the vouchers so I had to wait for such a long time.

Anyways, I'm looking forward to my first day. You never know. I may do a dynasty about my first year in college.

[ScottVib]

I'm sure you'll do fine. If you want it bad enough then you'll get it.
Thanks for the luck guys... today I found out that I did in fact get into the program... if all goes well this time next year I'll be preparing for my first year as a high school math teacher.. and will be back on the field coaching football. :)

[duckman]

Thanks for the luck guys... today I found out that I did in fact get into the program... if all goes well this time next year I'll be preparing for my first year as a high school math teacher.. and will be back on the field coaching football. :)
That's great! I'm glad that things are working out for you.

[Crapshoot]

Long time no see Scott- the former JM winner is now virtually absent at the boards that were once his domain... :D
Good to see you'r becoming a math teacher - good luck.
.
Duckman, more power to you- Im damn impressed with your perspective that you'd rather not retire. Out of curiosity, given the medical condition, can you take the 100% thing and still choose to work (as long as you pay your own work and school expenses) ? Good luck by the way- Im 21, and my master plan had been to be retired by 30- Im glad there people who have a less lazy outlook that I do.. :D

[duckman]

Duckman, more power to you- Im damn impressed with your perspective that you'd rather not retire. Out of curiosity, given the medical condition, can you take the 100% thing and still choose to work (as long as you pay your own work and school expenses) ? Good luck by the way- Im 21, and my master plan had been to be retired by 30- Im glad there people who have a less lazy outlook that I do.. :D
Thanks for the kind words. To answer your question, you cannot collect 100% disability from the VA and work at the same time. There are some loopholes when it comes to going to school. I can go to school and collect 100% if I'm are deemed "unemployable" by the VA. I'm currently in the process of getting myself approved so I can completely focus on school. If I am approved (and I should given my condition), I would collect $2300. I would then also colect $575 for a stipend while attending.

[Zippo]

good luck man!

[Raiders Army]

Good luck duckman! I'm sure that Debra La Fave is one of the true inspirations out there for teachers!

[duckman]

Good luck duckman! I'm sure that Debra La Fave is one of the true inspirations out there for teachers!
Maybe if you are into little girls/boys. Bleh!

[duckman]

Okay, I figured I give everyone interested an update.

I did finished my first semester with two A's and two B's. I just found out a couple weeks ago that I made the Vice-President's Honor Roll (like that is real important).

I'm currently doing extremely well this semester. I'm very suprised with the information I have retained from high school because I haven't been there in ten years. It's making the classes much easier to understand and I should have no problems making the grade this semester. I'm actually looking forward to attending some summer courses.

Anyways, thanks for the continued well wishes.

[Noop]

I think you'll be a good teacher. I respect anyone who can put up with the crap some student do these days. Thank you for your service in the Armed Forces and thank you for becoming a educator.

[Crapshoot]

Good for you. Despite our differences, Im firmly of the believe that anyone who is willing to work this hard to teach and help other kids is deserving of respect.

btw, any clue about whether the future holds - private schools an option at all ?

[duckman]

I think you'll be a good teacher. I respect anyone who can put up with the crap some student do these days. Thank you for your service in the Armed Forces and thank you for becoming a educator.
With some of the crap that some students pull these days, my training in the military will be very beneficial. :D

Your welcome. It's was a pleasure to have served.

[duckman]

btw, any clue about whether the future holds - private schools an option at all ?
I would take a private school position if they pay as well as the public school counterpart. I've learned that some private schools pay much less than public school and don't provide the same benefits. I would like to teach in a private school due to the involvement of parents is much greater. It would make my job so much easier.

I have thought about leaving only because Oklahoma is currently 50th in the country in teacher's salary. However, Governor Henry has raised pay already once, gave teachers 100% coverage on health insurance, and plans to give another pay increase this year. If they keep making these improvements, I will most likely stay here, so I can be closer to my son.

[Passacaglia]

Congrats, duckman! Good luck, and keep me posted!

[ScottVib]

Congrats duckman.

FWIW on my part I finish my student teaching tomorrow. I passed my final evaluation on Tuesday, so really I'm just "playing out the string" (Doing an activity and giving two tests tomorrow). All I have left is to pass the exam and I should be all set to begin next year. :)

[duckman]

Congrats duckman.

FWIW on my part I finish my student teaching tomorrow. I passed my final evaluation on Tuesday, so really I'm just "playing out the string" (Doing an activity and giving two tests tomorrow). All I have left is to pass the exam and I should be all set to begin next year. :)
That's awesome! What will you be doing while waiting for the fall?

[Mike D]

With some of the crap that some students pull these days, my training in the military will be very beneficial. :D

Your welcome. It's was a pleasure to have served.
At least you can bitch about the military all you want and nobody can say shit to you. :)

[ScottVib]

Congrats duckman.

FWIW on my part I finish my student teaching tomorrow. I passed my final evaluation on Tuesday, so really I'm just "playing out the string" (Doing an activity and giving two tests tomorrow). All I have left is to pass the exam and I should be all set to begin next year. :)
An update.

I finished my student teaching. I was working in the Computer Lab of a local High School while going through the program when the Principal came to me and asked me to fill in 2 periods a day for a teacher who's out on medical leave (they had another long term sub who was in half time and just made her full time so that they didn't leave the computer lab without any coverage). So I've been teaching a couple of periods a day. Then they came and asked me to teach and after school SAT Prep course which I've been doing. (Having a good time too)

I applied at that school and looks like I'll have an interview there as soon as next week (hopefully things work out). I also managed to pass my licensure exam (I did a lot better then I thought), so come next year in some school system in Connecticut I should be teaching math full time.

Hope things are going well for you, duckman; so far I've been really lucky. :)

[CamEdwards]

I would take a private school position if they pay as well as the public school counterpart. I've learned that some private schools pay much less than public school and don't provide the same benefits. I would like to teach in a private school due to the involvement of parents is much greater. It would make my job so much easier.

I have thought about leaving only because Oklahoma is currently 50th in the country in teacher's salary. However, Governor Henry has raised pay already once, gave teachers 100% coverage on health insurance, and plans to give another pay increase this year. If they keep making these improvements, I will most likely stay here, so I can be closer to my son.

Duckman,

If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend you trying to get on at Mount St. Mary's in Oklahoma City. It's a private school, so I'm sure the pay isn't great. Buu the principal is AWESOME. A former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year who is now an administrator... I just can't say enough good things about her.

Best of luck, Duckman.

[duckman]

An update.

I finished my student teaching. I was working in the Computer Lab of a local High School while going through the program when the Principal came to me and asked me to fill in 2 periods a day for a teacher who's out on medical leave (they had another long term sub who was in half time and just made her full time so that they didn't leave the computer lab without any coverage). So I've been teaching a couple of periods a day. Then they came and asked me to teach and after school SAT Prep course which I've been doing. (Having a good time too)

I applied at that school and looks like I'll have an interview there as soon as next week (hopefully things work out). I also managed to pass my licensure exam (I did a lot better then I thought), so come next year in some school system in Connecticut I should be teaching math full time.
Thanks for the update, Scott. From the sound of your situtation, I think the chance of you getting a spot at that particular school is pretty good. It's very encouraging to see how easy it is for you to get an interview. They already like your work. :)

Have they told you what position you are interviewing for?

Hope things are going well for you, duckman; so far I've been really lucky. :)
School is going very well for me. I have two papers coming up in my Humanities and English Comp II, so I may be busy researching and writing for those the next few weeks. I got a high 'A' in American History. The only class I'm having a problem staying motivated is Biology class. The life sciences have never really interesting to me. I'm pretty much goofing around in lab because I'm making an 'A' in the lecture portion of the class. Overall, I'm doing extremely well in my classes.

[duckman]

Duckman,

If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend you trying to get on at Mount St. Mary's in Oklahoma City. It's a private school, so I'm sure the pay isn't great. Buu the principal is AWESOME. A former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year who is now an administrator... I just can't say enough good things about her.

Best of luck, Duckman.
Thanks, Cam. I will give them a look when I graduate. I would take a good private school position over any public school counterpart.

[ScottVib]

Nice to hear Duckman. I'm interviewing for one of two positions in the Math Department, probably would be teaching Algebra if hired.

[Passacaglia]

Greate news, guys! Anyway, here's mine: I got my teaching certificate in December, and was hoping to get a job at a school near me -- while I'd been student teaching, I had heard there was someone who was going to retire soon (or rather, be forced to retire). So I worked there as a sub for a while, waiting until something opened up. Sometime in March, I got a call from a suburban school, offering me a position there until the end of the school year. Since it was looking less and less likely that a position would open up at the school near me, and since I wasn't really looking forward to the classes I'd be taking over if it did (the kids had been given no discipline throughout the year), and since I'm pretty confident of a position being open there in the fall when this gig ends, I took it. It's kind of a haul out to the suburbs, but I love the school and my classes (mostly AP Stats). Now I'm hoping they have room for me to stay here next fall, but that's yet to be decided.

[duckman]

Pass, are you planning to move out into the area if you get the job in the fall?

[Passacaglia]

Probably not. I just signed a new lease on my apartment, so I'm stuck there until April 2006. It's not so bad, though -- about 45 minutes from door to door. The problem is that I'm paranoid about being late, so I give myself some insurance time, which usually coincides with the time I allot for various things before my day begins. The good thing about it, though, is that it's the opposite of most rush hour traffic, since I go to the suburbs in the morning, and the city in the afternoon, and on most days I'm driving a little bit before rush hour each time. It still gets a little busy in the morning, though, which sucks because that's when I really need to be there on time. If I end up teaching there permanently, moving out there is a possibility for next year, although by then I'll be married, and moving out there will make it harder for lurker to get to work downtown.

[duckman]

Another update:

I just got my official grades today. I made three A's and one B for the spring semester.

I would had gotten an A in biology if I hadn't screwed around in lab so much. :)

I'm really suprised at how well this coming along so far. My understanding of the subject matter explained in class is remarkable. It's almost like I went striaght from high school to college and never missed a beat.

However, some of the students that i've gotten to know have said how much they struggle with the cirriculum. For example, the class average in my US History class was in the low 60's. According to my professor, I was the only A in the class.

Is this because history comes easy to me, or is it because the students are not putting in the effort?

Anyways, I'm enrolled for the summer semester with a "full load" of six hours. Should be more challenging since I'll be taking Conversational Spanish I this go-around.

[LoneStarGirl]

I took 18 hours this semester and made 5 A's and one B. I was the only A in two of those classes because I actually did the work. Everybody else was lazy and wanted to cheat off of me. You might just be good at history but i think that more and more college students are just skating by. They are happy with their C's and D's because that means they get a diploma and that is all that is really expected out of them.

[duckman]

I took 18 hours this semester and made 5 A's and one B. I was the only A in two of those classes because I actually did the work. Everybody else was lazy and wanted to cheat off of me. You might just be good at history but i think that more and more college students are just skating by. They are happy with their C's and D's because that means they get a diploma and that is all that is really expected out of them.
Funny you mentioned classmates cheating off of you. Some of the other history students wanted to have a study group the night before the final. It turned out to be just them taking my notes and copied how I organized them. I instantly was thinking "shouldn't you guys already have your study guide made out?". I was completely suprised that they waited until the night before the test to actually begin studying for it.

The next day I was the first person done with my test. I think it took me about 15 minutes to finish the exam. Those same people at the study group looked up at me with this bewildered look on their faces. The girl next to me was on question 12 of a 50 question test.

[Balldog]

I am having a hard time studying lately, maybe I am to busy with work and baseball.

Two weeks ago we had an exam, I didn't study until Saturday afternoon, I have a class on Sunday afternoon. Saturday night we went out to the bars, got up around noon and studied Sunday until about 1:30 took a shower went to class.

Started taking the test, the first time through it I answered maybe 15 out of the 40 questions. I went through it again and finished another 10, then the third time I think I answered maybe 5 more. Finally the fourth time through I just said screw it and started guessing.

Somehow, I don't know how. I got a 96%. I about died when I seen my grade.

[ScottVib]

Interesting day for me today...

I had to do a demonstration lesson for a school district I'm applying too, I thought it went ok, but wasn't sold. I am currently at this district already as a long term sub, but my sub assignment was supposed to end on Friday (and be picked up by someone else (another long term sub who was hired for the rest of the year, and for the periods I was teaching was filling in for another teacher until now).

As it turns out my students went and wrote a letter to the principal asking that I not be replaced... and he listened. So I end up teaching for the rest of the year... and crossing my fingers that I hear a positive outcome to my application. (Hopefully that he agreed to the students request is a positive sign for me)

Hopefully I'll find out in the next few days. *crosses fingers*

[Barkeep49]

It's always a nice thing to have your hard work validated by your students

[LoneStarGirl]

When I graduate next may from college I want to teach while obtaining my master's degree at night and during the summer. But my major is in business so I dont know how easy it will be for me to be hired as a teacher. I heard that any major will allow you to become a teacher, just as long as you have a college degree. But if you get a masters degree you HAVE to teach what your masters degree is in. I don't know if thats true or not though...

And back to you duckman. I was in the same boat my first couple of weeks at my new school. I thought these people in my class were trying to make friends by inviting me to their study group thing. But they just wanted my notes and to know where i would be sitting the day of the test so they could make sure they set next to me. It pissed me off so bad that during the test i went through and just circled any answer, without reading the question. I let the people beside me copy it and after they left, i went through and circled the right ones. I think they learned their lesson, or they just thought I was a dumbass.

[duckman]

Another update:

I just found out my grades for the summer semester. I got two C's.

I'm kind of mixed on the results. I'm happy that I was able to pass the courses despite being nearly two weeks behind in an eight week session and having to study using someone else's notes. On the other hand, I wished I could have gotten higher grades to keep my GPA up. I now have a 3.29 thanks to those C's.

Now, I'm waiting on Central Oklahoma to process my admission packet, so I can enroll for the fall. I was going to stay at Rose State until I got my associates, but they were very limited in their selection in English and Literature classes. However, other than a speech and a physcial science class, I am done with my basics and will be just working on my degree specific curriculum. It should be more challenging with the more in-depth courses.

[JW]

Good luck. After retiring from the Army I started teaching while obtaining certification through Louisiana's alternative certification process. I've been teaching high school for 12 years now and thoroughly enjoy it. One thing I will say is that the education courses I had to take were of little value to me; much more valuable was the OJT I received in the classroom. Another thing I will add, having gone through it myself and as one who mentors new teachers, is that the first year is the toughest. Many teachers get discouraged in the first year, but it gets much better after that.

[Galaxy]

A 3.29 GPA is still something to be proud of. Do you have to obtain a Masters degree to teach as well?

Duckman, your a pretty busy man with the other stuff and this.

[duckman]

Good luck. After retiring from the Army I started teaching while obtaining certification through Louisiana's alternative certification process. I've been teaching high school for 12 years now and thoroughly enjoy it. One thing I will say is that the education courses I had to take were of little value to me; much more valuable was the OJT I received in the classroom. Another thing I will add, having gone through it myself and as one who mentors new teachers, is that the first year is the toughest. Many teachers get discouraged in the first year, but it gets much better after that.
My teacher friends say the same thing about the education courses. I guess a lot of them are opinion based, and students just give the answers the professors want to hear.

I expect the first year to be tough because of developing a style that will work in the classroom. I don't expect to be teacher of the year the moment I walk into the classroom. I just hope to develop a style of teaching that works for me and will benefit the student in the long haul.

[duckman]

A 3.29 GPA is still something to be proud of. Do you have to obtain a Masters degree to teach as well?

Duckman, your a pretty busy man with the other stuff and this.
No, I don't need a master's to teach high school. I just need a bachelor's.

On the subject of GPA. I am very proud of what I have accomplished thus far. I've been out of high school for ten years, and I am amazed at what I have retained. I give credit to high school I attended. It's a testament to the quality of education I received there.

I'm a busy person, but I make sure that I keep my focus on school. Most things take a back seat to my education goals except for family. I try to keep it balanced.

[duckman]

I was accepted to UCO on Monday, and I was lucky to enroll for 15 hours for the fall. This semester I will be taking Communication for Teachers, Intro to Mass Communications (journalism class), Foundations of American Education, American Literature to 1865, and Adolescent Psychology. It should be much more of a challenge now that I'm in a larger university and not in a community college.

Wish me luck!

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I was accepted to UCO on Monday, and I was lucky to enroll for 15 hours for the fall. This semester I will be taking Communication for Teachers, Intro to Mass Communications (journalism class), Foundations of American Education, American Literature to 1865, and Adolescent Psychology. It should be much more of a challenge now that I'm in a larger university and not in a community college.

Wish me luck!
How heavy are those classes and wold it be feasable for you to take another 3 credits? I figure get 1 more class over with.

[duckman]

How heavy are those classes and wold it be feasable for you to take another 3 credits? I figure get 1 more class over with.
The American Literature, Communication for Teachers, and Adolescent Psychology classes should be difficult. The journalism class should be fairly easy since it's an intro class. The unknown one is the Foundations of American Education because I'm not certain what that will entail. I know I will have to go a local school and sit in on some classes to view their teaching styles. That alone will probably make it difficult to attend another class. If I can handle this class load, I will be taking 18 hours in the spring because I need to take another Spanish class for graduation requirements. I also work as a work-study at the unemployment office, so that takes up even more time. I'll play safe for now and attend these classes.

[duckman]

Survived another semester:

I looked up my offical grades and I made an A, three B's, and a C.

I would have done better than this if it wasn't for all the other crap that has been going on im my life, but I'm happy to at least make it through.

The C was my American Literature class (which is embarrassing since I'm wanting to teach English), but that was contributed to not having the ability to concentrate due to all the personal problems. The good news is that those issues are finally settling down, and I won't have that excuse to fall back on. It's A's and B's for this coming semester.

It's another moderately heavy load as I'll go with another 15 hours. Those classes include:

American Literature Since 1865
English Literature to 1800
Elementary Spanish I
Beginning Acting/Non-Majors
Technology for Teachers

I'm looking forward to getting another semester done and getting to the halfway point of my college education. Wish me luck!

[Joe]

C's get degrees

[duckman]

C's get degrees
That is soooooo true! :D

[duckman]

Another one bites the dust:

I just finished looking at my grades and see I made an A and four B's.

Two of the grades that surprised me were my Spanish class and my American Lit class. In the Spanish class, I know for a fact I was just barely holding onto a C, but somehow was rewarded a B. I truly thought I was going to make a D and would have to retake the class in the fall. I was estatic to learn that will not be the case.

In my American Lit class, the professor was one of those "I should be at Harvard" types. On the first exam, I thought I wrote two very good essay responses only for him to take one word from each and tear apart my statements about the reading. I got a D+ on that exam. I was pretty sure that I was only going to get a C in the class, but I was happy to find that I was given a B instead. :)

I'm taking 10 hours this summer to get ahead on my credit hours because I only want to take 9 hours in my student teaching semester. Here are the classes I'm taking:

English Literature Since 1800
Teaching Shakespeare
University Physical Science

The two literature classes are 4 week classes while the science class is an 8 week evening class. Good thing I have plenty of free time this summer. :D

[duckman]

Just got my summer semester grades.

I had to drop the English Literature Since 1800 class because of the death of my father. I missed 3 days in the class and every day counts as a week worth of work, so I really didn't have a choice.

I received an A in Teaching Shakespeare. It was a tough class, but the professor was really good at helping us understand what to look for in the plays and also showed us different resources on how to improve our teaching methods.

In the University Physical Science, I only managed a C in the class due to the fact the professor did not speak good english (he was from Pakistan I believe). A lot of us would look at each other wondering what he was trying to say to us.

He is a very nice man though. He helped me out with catching up the assignments after dad passed away.

I'll be taking 14 hours in the fall. I got a very good mixture of hard and easy classes. It should be a much more relaxed semester:

World Literature II
English Grammar and Usage
Ethnic American Literature
Healthy Life Skills (only a 2 hour course)
Teaching Individuals with Disabilities