The new adventure into teaching begins!

Well here is an update of what has happened to me the past few months. I have been seriously contemplating a return back to school this fall. First, I was thinking graduate school for communication studies (which was a B.A. when I graduated May 2008). Then I contemplated going into graphic design. I really like being on my laptop and doing some things with computers. I visited a few colleges about their programs, but my interest started to dwindle in graphic design. Then I was able to realize a small opportunity for me.

I was asked to volunteer at the elementary school I grew up at. I thought what do I have to lose and maybe I will enjoy it. The past month I have been working with 20 second graders during the mid-morning Monday thru Friday. At first I really did not have any feelings either way if I liked this experience or not. More and more time passed by and I really began to enjoy my experience reading with the kids, helping with their writing or math problems, and just trying to be a positive role model on a daily basis. The teacher approached me and asked, “Have you ever thought about being an elementary teacher?” To be honest, I really had not thought about teaching since high school and was not really interested in it. My mind has slowly began to change and embrace the idea of me becoming a teacher.

With that being said I have decided to go back to college. I am going to major in Elementary Education with a minor in Literacy Education (basically a reading endorsement). I am looking at a maximum of three years to complete the degree. An elementary education degree will take that long because it is a professional program. This means the coursework and teaching experiences will helps me to become a professional in the education field, which will be a challenge, but very rewarding. I will be going back to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA because of their reputation in education and most of my friends are still in the Cedar Falls area. I am really excited about this opportunity and the positive response from friends and family to pursue more schooling and to become a teacher.

Well that is all for now and thanks once again for reading my blog. More exciting stories and challenges will be blogged about in the upcoming ones, so stay tuned! Take care everyone and just know Jesus Christ loves each and every one of you no matter what!