Thursday 26 September 2013
Wednesday 18 September 2013
Perspective from my Internship: One Year Later
Last weekend, I took the time to read this blog I stumbled upon through a twitter post from Alec Couros. This blog resonated with me for a few key reasons.
First, a little background information on myself. I returned to post-secondary studies in the fall of 2010, when I was accepted into a Middle Years After Degree Program at the University of Regina. After graduating in 2005 with a degree in Kinesiology, I continue to work in the field to this day. In addition to my studies, I am a full time coach for the Saskatchewan Rowing Association. From working as a rowing coach, and previous to that as a Dream Broker for Sask Sport, Inc., the desire to begin a journey as a teacher had evolved to the point that I applied, and was fortunately accepted, into the Faculty of Education at the U of R.
The after degree program at the U of R is a two year program, where you enter a cohort with other students that have completed their previous two years of study in education. While working full time as a coach, I was somehow able to get through this year of study without too many scars. I maintained an 80+ average, and was able, for the most part, to continue to coach and commit my studies at a high level.
As a mature student, with a wife and a mortgage, I always knew that in order to complete my degree in education, I would have to maintain full time employment. Coaching rowing has been ideal, since it is something I am very passionate about, and the hours while in school tend to me more flexible.
While it may have seemed on the outside that things were going well for me, there were some challenges that may have foreshadowed my internship experience. Moments such as locking myself in my office for two weeks, day and night, to write 10 Science lesson plans.
During my internship, things started out great. I was in a grade 7/8 class, and I worked to build strong relationship with the students, and to be accepted into the school community. However, as the weeks went on and my responsibility increased, I started to have some significant challenges. As my perfectionist ways started to get the better of me, the lack of sleep that resulted from my 8:30am to midnight sessions at the school were starting to catch up. My health was deteriorating.
With many supports, I was able to get through my internship experience successfully. It has taken a long time, but I have developed a more balanced and experienced view of how I hope to enter the teaching profession. Here are some of the lessons I have learned:
During my internship, I leaned on a few key people to help me. But, as the saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child." This statement is very true in my journey to become a teacher.
First, a little background information on myself. I returned to post-secondary studies in the fall of 2010, when I was accepted into a Middle Years After Degree Program at the University of Regina. After graduating in 2005 with a degree in Kinesiology, I continue to work in the field to this day. In addition to my studies, I am a full time coach for the Saskatchewan Rowing Association. From working as a rowing coach, and previous to that as a Dream Broker for Sask Sport, Inc., the desire to begin a journey as a teacher had evolved to the point that I applied, and was fortunately accepted, into the Faculty of Education at the U of R.
The after degree program at the U of R is a two year program, where you enter a cohort with other students that have completed their previous two years of study in education. While working full time as a coach, I was somehow able to get through this year of study without too many scars. I maintained an 80+ average, and was able, for the most part, to continue to coach and commit my studies at a high level.
As a mature student, with a wife and a mortgage, I always knew that in order to complete my degree in education, I would have to maintain full time employment. Coaching rowing has been ideal, since it is something I am very passionate about, and the hours while in school tend to me more flexible.
While it may have seemed on the outside that things were going well for me, there were some challenges that may have foreshadowed my internship experience. Moments such as locking myself in my office for two weeks, day and night, to write 10 Science lesson plans.
During my internship, things started out great. I was in a grade 7/8 class, and I worked to build strong relationship with the students, and to be accepted into the school community. However, as the weeks went on and my responsibility increased, I started to have some significant challenges. As my perfectionist ways started to get the better of me, the lack of sleep that resulted from my 8:30am to midnight sessions at the school were starting to catch up. My health was deteriorating.
With many supports, I was able to get through my internship experience successfully. It has taken a long time, but I have developed a more balanced and experienced view of how I hope to enter the teaching profession. Here are some of the lessons I have learned:
- I can always do more, but at a certain point more becomes less.
- Have boundaries, and understand and respect my limits.
- Develop a network of support.
During my internship, I leaned on a few key people to help me. But, as the saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child." This statement is very true in my journey to become a teacher.
Thursday 5 September 2013
Round 2
After getting too bogged down last winter semester with my career, I unfortunately had to drop my Technologies in the Classroom course. I am now taking it again this fall, with the added accountability of face to face meeting times twice a week at the U of Regina.
I am excited to build on some of the skills I learned the last time I was in this course. From where I started last January, I think I evolved from a technological dinosaur, to perhaps a technological turtle.
Wish me luck!
I am excited to build on some of the skills I learned the last time I was in this course. From where I started last January, I think I evolved from a technological dinosaur, to perhaps a technological turtle.
Wish me luck!
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