Yesterday I went out to see a movie, "Life as We Know It" with my best friend, Sarah G. When I told her about my news about going back to school, she jumped on board and right away was so pride of me. She said, "I could always see you as a school teacher. I'm so glad that you're going after your dreams." By the way, the movie was funny and getting a real glimpse of what new parenthood is like.
As the title says on this blog, I am grateful for friends who are supportive of my endeavors going off to grad school especially during these tough economical times. In the next 5 or 10 years from now, many of the baby boomers will retire from teaching. There will be a lot of teaching spots open. I see it when I go to grad school next year, it'll be an investment.
Still, I will try to seek out outside scholarships and grants to help finance my education and not take out too much student loans. I still have my undergrad student loans to pay off. Grad school is quite pricey. If you know any free money or someone who really to invest in my education, let me know. God is the provider and I will trust that it will all work out. If God is directing you in anyway to help me, thank you. It doesn't have to be financially. You can emotional support me too.
Going off to graduate school is a big adventure. With God, family and friends' help, I will learn and grow and within a couple years from now, I'll be a licensed elementary teacher.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Where should I go to Grad School?
This month, I researched some local universities in the Portland area to get my masters of arts in teaching. I've been to a few informational meetings. Though I am ruling out University of Portland and Lewis and Clark College since I know they are very, very expensive. Here is the list of places I checked out:
1. Concordia University in NE Portland (This is my second choice school.)
Pros:
*Lovely, beautiful campus
*Love the small community feel
*Solid MAT program that is finished within 11 months as full time status.
*1 faculty advisor per 12 student teachers
*Get waived application fee (they signed my application so I don't need to pay the fee)
Cons:
*More expensive than the others I checked out__$30,000 full time
*Commute 30 mins from my home
*Not able to retain my current part-time job
2. Portland State University in downtown Portland
(Note: They call their program as Masters of Education--dual method as in getting
an initial teaching license as well as getting the title M.ED for the resume.
This is my safety net school.)
Pros:
*Cheaper price for 1 year full time program...$516 per credit (grad level)
*So about 57-61 credits to finish the masters
*Higher chance of letting me in because it's a state school and able to more slots open
*It's in downtown so I can take the bus (about 15 mins) to campus
Cons:
*Don't know how much the whole program cost...the rep pointed me to the financial aid office...don't have appointment to see a financial aid officer so I didn't have time to wait in line to make an appointment
*1 faculty advisor per 30 student teachers...so not much personal attention...how well can this advisor know how to shape us as teachers of tomorrow?
3. Marylhurst University (15 mins south of Portland)
(Note: I'm really like this school and their MAT program. To me, it's my top
choice.)
Pros:
*Beautiful campus just only 15 mins outside of Portland
*A small, cohort program structure to support your learning
*Historical university, one of the oldest in the state of Oregon.
*18 month program...start at the first term in a school...in the last spring term, you get to be a sub to gain more experience but also get your foot in the door for future employers to want to hire you.
*An 18 month (six-term) program to give each MAT candidate extensive experience to understand school routines and procedures(so I won't burn out compare to the other 1 year full time programs)
*A program curriculum that gives each MAT candidate advanced teaching skills in reading and ESOL instruction (continuation of these courses connect with their M.ED program so with them,you can continue with earning the Master of Education of Reading or ESOL instruction or even both)
*Intense support from a mentor during the program and during your first year of teaching
*Classes are done in the evenings, some weekends and online while we are expected to be in a classroom during the day...they built up...I think the first term, you are there one full day...by student teaching time, you're at the school full time (the same hours as the classroom teachers).
*I can keep my part-time job at my first year of grad school...plus the campus is close to the elementary school I worked at...about 15 mins away if there is no traffic.
Cons:
*The program is still pricier...about $25,000
*There are usually about 40-45 people each year in their MAT program. What if I don't get in? I don't want my hopes up.
So next week, I have more research to go on. I have to write out all my questions and email to the contact people to get some answers. There is some pressure because one deadline is coming up real fast.
Deadlines for applications:
1. PSU: Dec. 1, 2010 for the Summer 2011 start
2. Concordia: Jan. 10,2011 for the Summer 2011 start
3. Marylhurst: March 1, 2011 for the Fall 2011 start
1. Concordia University in NE Portland (This is my second choice school.)
Pros:
*Lovely, beautiful campus
*Love the small community feel
*Solid MAT program that is finished within 11 months as full time status.
*1 faculty advisor per 12 student teachers
*Get waived application fee (they signed my application so I don't need to pay the fee)
Cons:
*More expensive than the others I checked out__$30,000 full time
*Commute 30 mins from my home
*Not able to retain my current part-time job
2. Portland State University in downtown Portland
(Note: They call their program as Masters of Education--dual method as in getting
an initial teaching license as well as getting the title M.ED for the resume.
This is my safety net school.)
Pros:
*Cheaper price for 1 year full time program...$516 per credit (grad level)
*So about 57-61 credits to finish the masters
*Higher chance of letting me in because it's a state school and able to more slots open
*It's in downtown so I can take the bus (about 15 mins) to campus
Cons:
*Don't know how much the whole program cost...the rep pointed me to the financial aid office...don't have appointment to see a financial aid officer so I didn't have time to wait in line to make an appointment
*1 faculty advisor per 30 student teachers...so not much personal attention...how well can this advisor know how to shape us as teachers of tomorrow?
3. Marylhurst University (15 mins south of Portland)
(Note: I'm really like this school and their MAT program. To me, it's my top
choice.)
Pros:
*Beautiful campus just only 15 mins outside of Portland
*A small, cohort program structure to support your learning
*Historical university, one of the oldest in the state of Oregon.
*18 month program...start at the first term in a school...in the last spring term, you get to be a sub to gain more experience but also get your foot in the door for future employers to want to hire you.
*An 18 month (six-term) program to give each MAT candidate extensive experience to understand school routines and procedures(so I won't burn out compare to the other 1 year full time programs)
*A program curriculum that gives each MAT candidate advanced teaching skills in reading and ESOL instruction (continuation of these courses connect with their M.ED program so with them,you can continue with earning the Master of Education of Reading or ESOL instruction or even both)
*Intense support from a mentor during the program and during your first year of teaching
*Classes are done in the evenings, some weekends and online while we are expected to be in a classroom during the day...they built up...I think the first term, you are there one full day...by student teaching time, you're at the school full time (the same hours as the classroom teachers).
*I can keep my part-time job at my first year of grad school...plus the campus is close to the elementary school I worked at...about 15 mins away if there is no traffic.
Cons:
*The program is still pricier...about $25,000
*There are usually about 40-45 people each year in their MAT program. What if I don't get in? I don't want my hopes up.
So next week, I have more research to go on. I have to write out all my questions and email to the contact people to get some answers. There is some pressure because one deadline is coming up real fast.
Deadlines for applications:
1. PSU: Dec. 1, 2010 for the Summer 2011 start
2. Concordia: Jan. 10,2011 for the Summer 2011 start
3. Marylhurst: March 1, 2011 for the Fall 2011 start
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Why am I going to Grad School?
That is an interesting question above. Why do I want to go back to school? I have my BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. I have been working in my fourth year at the same job. I like the job working with the kids after school. But I don't have benefits and I can't survive working for part-time. Since I was a teen, I desired to become a teacher. In my undergrad years, I wasn't able to graduate as a teacher. I wasn't ready. That hardship did taught me a few things. I could use that to help my students that failing isn't the end of the world. From failure, we can learn from it and move on to better things. Now I feel ready and confident.
Here is another question: why do I want to become a teacher? I love working with elementary aged kids. I like to teach and guide students to learn about the world around them as well as learning new skills or improving skills. I feel a burst of happiness when I see a child learning something new and able to demonstrate his or her mastery of it.
After 3 years, I have this new dream. I know I'll be a fine classroom teacher. But my real goal is to become an ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) teacher. I really like working with a student one-on-one or in small groups. I feel like I get to really know the student better. Before I could be an ESOL teacher, I need to get an initial teaching license to teach in Oregon. I can't get my ESOL endorsement without getting the initial teaching license. Plus I know ESOL teaching positions are limited here in Portland so being a classroom teacher will be good. I'm trying to be marketable. As a classroom teacher, I would gain experience working with diverse population of students. It'll help me become a better ESOL teacher when I get that job. In a way, I kind of think I was born to do this. More on this in later posts.
Someone told me that I can be a teacher but in a different area. Like what? These last 3 years, I have thought of what other career paths I could follow. At one point, I would settle being an Educational Assistant because you can still teach kids in one-on-one and small group settings without the hassle of getting licensed and pressure of test scores. There aren't really many EA jobs because of the economy and population of students in the schools and these positions are very competitive to get in if any of them are open. Don't get me wrong, EA's are the best at what they do and they really help out the classroom teachers. Being an EA is honorable.
But these last 3 years, I still have this desire to be a licensed teacher. After my grandpa past away over the summer and I getting over the early stages of grief, I was woken up in my somber. The fire of desire to become a teacher burned bright and urging me to fulfill that dream of mine. I know my Gong Gong wanted me to be happy and fulfill what God's purpose is for me. Looking back at my background and experiences of my life, something is directing me to become an educator. In later post, I will share some of my background and experiences that is leading me to the teaching field. If you still don't know why I want to become a teacher, you must see me in action or have a conversation with me on it.
I feel blessed that I have a couple friends behind me on this decision. I have a friend who wasn't as encouraging. No matter what, God is on my side. The Holy Spirit will give me the courage and encouragement in striving for this path as an educator. My lord Jesus Christ is always that encouraging friend, holding my hand and cheering me on to reach my dreams.
Here is another question: why do I want to become a teacher? I love working with elementary aged kids. I like to teach and guide students to learn about the world around them as well as learning new skills or improving skills. I feel a burst of happiness when I see a child learning something new and able to demonstrate his or her mastery of it.
After 3 years, I have this new dream. I know I'll be a fine classroom teacher. But my real goal is to become an ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) teacher. I really like working with a student one-on-one or in small groups. I feel like I get to really know the student better. Before I could be an ESOL teacher, I need to get an initial teaching license to teach in Oregon. I can't get my ESOL endorsement without getting the initial teaching license. Plus I know ESOL teaching positions are limited here in Portland so being a classroom teacher will be good. I'm trying to be marketable. As a classroom teacher, I would gain experience working with diverse population of students. It'll help me become a better ESOL teacher when I get that job. In a way, I kind of think I was born to do this. More on this in later posts.
Someone told me that I can be a teacher but in a different area. Like what? These last 3 years, I have thought of what other career paths I could follow. At one point, I would settle being an Educational Assistant because you can still teach kids in one-on-one and small group settings without the hassle of getting licensed and pressure of test scores. There aren't really many EA jobs because of the economy and population of students in the schools and these positions are very competitive to get in if any of them are open. Don't get me wrong, EA's are the best at what they do and they really help out the classroom teachers. Being an EA is honorable.
But these last 3 years, I still have this desire to be a licensed teacher. After my grandpa past away over the summer and I getting over the early stages of grief, I was woken up in my somber. The fire of desire to become a teacher burned bright and urging me to fulfill that dream of mine. I know my Gong Gong wanted me to be happy and fulfill what God's purpose is for me. Looking back at my background and experiences of my life, something is directing me to become an educator. In later post, I will share some of my background and experiences that is leading me to the teaching field. If you still don't know why I want to become a teacher, you must see me in action or have a conversation with me on it.
I feel blessed that I have a couple friends behind me on this decision. I have a friend who wasn't as encouraging. No matter what, God is on my side. The Holy Spirit will give me the courage and encouragement in striving for this path as an educator. My lord Jesus Christ is always that encouraging friend, holding my hand and cheering me on to reach my dreams.
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