Hey Norma

Norma, It's so good to hear from you. Yes soon I'll be on my way to new adventures in education land. Val Pang contacted me recently. She is starting up a new program for a masters degree in Urban Education. Bernie would be glad to know it even incorporates an EDTech component, or maybe he had something to do with that. I am thinking once I get done with any induction stuff I have to conclude to clear my credential, that I may take Val up on this one. It's the only Masters in Ed. that has held any fascination for me, it must be that EDTech component. Up until now I've only thought of getting a masters in Brit Lit or Linguistics.
I hear many new teachers complain about burn out after the program, I did my program in 3 semesters, and it seems to be a gentler way through it all. I'm a little freaked out about the application and interview process of getting that job. I've been on the other end of that for so long. But it is just a human thing, and I need to keep that in perspective. My main problem is that I don't want to leave SD. It's a family thing, and family comes first. But I've been told not to despair about the seeming job drought, but now is the time to apply. I've heard Mount Miguel is losing quite a few teachers this year. I really want to work in a diverse setting, so I'll keep trying in this area, even if it means subbing for a period of time. During spring break I plan on really getting out there and throwing some resumes around. I swear it makes the education part of this whole thing seem like a breeze in comparison. Well here's to you Norma, and best wishes. I know subbing can be a pain, maybe it must be done with referral in hand ;-} How mean is that?! Bye

Tired

I am not sure I have ever felt so tired. I am even feeling more tired than mean, and that means trouble with a capital T. I can say that the tired I get from teaching is the good kind of tired. The tired I get from working is bad. The tired I get from my university studies is numbing, and the tired I get from looking at job possibilities in SD is just plain stress related. I really need a rest. Of course you should always be careful what you wish for. I'm student teaching in the Grossmont district this semester. I still love my students, some of them are a pain, but not so much. It is funny though, it seems the students who scream the loudest, and who demand the most attention, are the students who are least willing to work, or take their work seriously. How do you fix that?
There are some people who are interested in why I have listed Cystic Fibrosis on my list of interests. I have two granddaughters with the disease. They are lively, perky, precocious children. They are beautiful to look at, and a delight to be with. The disease limits their longevity, but not their life. They are happy, bossy, silly girls. You cannot see their disability, it hides beneath their alabaster skin. We are blessed by them for as long as they are with us here on earth, and beyond. You see it is very hard not to have faith when you know life will not be as long as you would like it to be for someone you love deeply. And then again who knows, with research and technology speeding along at exponential rates, maybe, just maybe................................
Lots'o love to everybody from the mean one, over and out.