By looking at my college transcript, one might say, wow this lady is a lifelong learner I guess. Lol. But, after today, drum roll please, I would come back and say, "yes you are right, but I am actually on my way to graduating with my Early Childhood degree." Five years after starting on my second degree I am finally in the final stages. I applied for graduation today, and once everything was signed and stamped it sank it...this is real Tiffany. You are finally going to get that degree that means the most. Let me explain that. I graduated with my first degree in 2004, but I just went after what I found easiest at the time, and what I knew would help me make more money. Well, after just a few years in the corporate world I realized...man this is totally not for me. I'm not making an impact on the world, and I'm not working with what I feel God has lead me to do in this life. So, in 2007, I made a life changing decision to quit my job, and pursue a degree in education. As my advisor, Dr. H., said today, "we have had a few bumps along this road, but you have done it." Man, that just made things seem even more real. By bumps let me explain those. :) First bump was my big boy Beau. I took time off to get him going in this world, and then started back at it in 2010. Then in 2012 when I was right at the student teaching (aka co-teaching) phase, also known as your professional trimester, I found out I was preggo with the triplets. Crazy I know. So, I had to withdraw from the program, and now here I am by the Grace of God finishing it up. Woo wee!
Several things make me appreciate this degree a lot. First, it has been five years in the process. Second, I was very hard on some days while going through some trials in life. Third, my sweet big boy went to preschool on the days I had classes, and for a new momma that's tough, but with the help of some sweet ladies from church it made it go smoothly. Finally, being able to actually get back to it, finishing the work, and knowing I can do it. Oh, and the fact that I'm older, and wiser. All this makes me really appreciate being able to accomplish this goal I have had for a long time.
The other day my friend April was here visiting, she is also a teacher and one of the best out there in my books. Well we were discussing things, and she asked if I thought I would be teaching next August. Well, that's a tough question, and really I don't think I will know until closer to that time. It all depends on how the babies are doing. If all is good they will go to a preschool as Beau did, and I will teach. Some might not agree with that, but after much prayer about it I know it will all work out.
A few things on the teacher side I wanted to mention, and mainly because I went to a workshop yesterday about the new system for college students in their professional trimester. This is the semester you student teach, but it is no longer being called student teaching, but co-teaching. So many amazing aspects of this new method. Not only does the mentor/cooperating teacher benefit, but the teacher candidate benefits. The classroom benefits from having two teachers at once. Why did we not go to this sooner?! Oklahoma is definitely on its way to implementing this state wide, but not everyone is there yet. My university is ahead of the game on this. Basically, without confusing you, the teacher candidate is in the classroom teaching just the same as the mentor teacher. Not just observing, and doing what the classroom teacher planned. We have to make our plans for the lessons we teach. Basically split right in half between the two teachers. So excited for this, but also nervous at the same time. It will definitely make me learn all the Common Core curriculum standards pretty quick. Lol. I will be adding some links on all this when I get my teacher gadget added soon. :)
Also, I'm not sure if I ever got to post my blog on my SNEA (studen NEA) meeting I attended last week. But, at the meeting we had a little mini workshop type meeting on Ag in the Classroom. If you do not know about this, go check out the OSU extensions webpage. So so glad that this is going on strong, and it very well should. As the representative from the Beef council said, "so many children of today think that their food just comes from Wal-Mart." I agree 100%, and it is up to the educators to teach our children from the ground up about our resources. Anywho, I will add links for this topic as well, because Ag in the Classroom is one of my favorite subjects. It also is what I think one of the fun ones.
Side note - my surgery has been postponed until next Wednesday. This is good in several ways. My Dad and Sue will be here to help out, and I will be a little more prepared. I think. Lol. So, please be praying for me on that.
Ok, now that the chickens are all gettin up I quests I better get to cookin. :)
Hope you all have a spectacular day, and many blessings your way!
Tiffany Ann
Yesterday morning was a beautiful sunrise for sure.
Because I need a farmers almanac ;) I love having one of these around, and haven't bought one in a couple of years. Grabbed one while at the store yesterday.
Yep, got it all done. April 2014 is just five months and a few weeks away.
By His grace alone.
ReplyDeleteAnd your hard work!
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