So, as my first year of Education is coming to a close, I am struck by a strange thought..."I don't want it to be over yet!" Now perhaps some people wouldn't find this comment so bizarre. A lot of folks have a hard time with things ending. I know people who started freaking out about their grade 12 graduation in grade 9 (maybe if I had been more like them, I would have known which university I was going to before June of my graduating year, and I might have bothered to apply for scholarships). I am the girl who can't wait to get onto the next big thing. I am constantly moving, exploring and changing things up. I also become extremely attached to things I believe are awesome.
Like Vancouver. You only have to talk to me for about five minutes to know that I think everything to do with Vancouver is amazing (except for the cost of living and lack of sunshine). Or food. I am addicted to eating. I could never be one of those who only eats to live. I LIVE TO EAT! Or my cats, Tika and Spunx, who are pretty much my whole world. Or Brandon University, this snazzy little institution in the middle of nowhere (everything in Manitoba is in the middle of nowhere) that is perpetually underrated by everyone, except for the people who work or attend school there, and realize what a gem it is.
While my years of living in residence (yes, I adored living in Flora Cowan and was actually sad to leave after three long years) and completing my Bachelor of Arts degree (No my dear European friends, I am not an artist. This is our way of saying we don't know what we want to do, so we take psychology courses) were some of the best of my life, this year in Education has me finally feeling like I belong. I know, without a doubt, that I am meant to be a teacher. I also know, without a doubt, that I chose the best possible place to help me realize my potential.
This past February, a good friend of mine from the Faculty of Education at U of M presented at WestCAST. We were having a discussion and comparing our programs, when she told me "You have no idea how lucky you are. Your program is amazing! From what I've seen of your buildings, what I've heard from other students, and the professors of yours that I have met, I am jealous. I kind of wish that I had come here now..." You kinda wish?! I thought. You have no idea.
Our small campus, while being the brunt of many jokes for other universities, is ideal. It is so easy to feel comfortable in, and nearly impossible to get lost. (I say nearly impossible, because it is not impossible. That's right. I have gotten lost in the Education building. But I won't tell you going where from what.) The courses we take are relevant to what is happening in school today. I have learned so much about who I am, and how to be an effective teacher. I like the way our student teaching placements are set up. Experiencing four different schools, and working with four (at least) different cooperating teachers gives us a better idea of what's out there and where we may be interested in teaching. The best part about BU's Faculty of Ed in my opinion? The people. We have awesome professors and support staff. I certainly have not met or worked with all of them, but I have had an absolutely fabulous experience with the ones I have. Julie Ann Kniskern has the best taste in children's literature of anyone I have ever met. She has dramatically increased my knowldge of quality literature, and I have a whole collection of cool activities to implement in my classroom thanks to her. Shelley is a great teacher, and I am grateful I got to be in the one class she taught last semester. Thanks to her, I am part of a group of students going to Thailand to student teach for the first time. I know it will be an experience I will never forget. Diane Novak has probably never encountered a student as technologically-handicapped as myself. Thanks to her, I can now make a website, use movie maker and download free (and legal) music. I love her policy of being able to redo assignments. That is absolutely the best way for students to learn. Tammy is always cheerful and pleasant to be around. This is such an important skill for a teacher to possess. I really appreciated how she would deviate from the topic if she thought that the new conversation would be beneficial for us. Sandy is famous Canada-wide for her ability to make math awesome! This is not an easy feat. I don't think math is awesome. I think it stinks. But Sandy makes it fun. I can't wait for her to show me that science is stupendous next year.
And of course, Jackie. Jackie demonstrated to me why assignment dates can and should be flexible. Many students come up with their best work when they are not focused on a deadline. She showed me that evaluating a course using outcome based assessment is practical and the way of the future (I must confess I thought she was crazy when she handed out our Professional Teacher course outlines). Jackie valued everyone's contributions, and was eager to make class an enjoyable experience for all involved. She pushed us all to be the best we could be, and was understanding whenever someone didn't feel comfortable or thought something should be done in another way. It was because of Jackie that our class had 100% attendance at WestCAST (she is very persuasive). Thanks to her, most of us presented at it, and felt confident that our presentations were noteworthy. Jackie encouraged us to go deep, and think about who we really are, and how that applies to our teaching. She only recommended one book for us to read, and it is a winner. I am about halfway done Parker Palmer's "The Courage to Teach", and I think it should be a required reading. It is excellent. Most of all, Jackie believes in each and every one of her students. She finds their strengths, and focuses on them. She takes the time to get to know them. Her biggest fault is that she doesn't teach second-year courses. Her students will miss her a lot.
Thank you for having us write the Ellie poem. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for a great year.
Thank you. To begin with, I was speechless. I had to go on and read your other blogs before I returned to this one to make my comments.
ReplyDeleteYou have honored my colleagues, me, and our quirky, caring little faculty. It means so much more, when it comes from someone on the inside, who has seen our best and our worst. I have been here for almost three years and my assessment is similar to yours - it's a great place to be and a great place to learn!
Especially, thank you for your generous assessment of me and my teaching. You have picked out all of the things that I hope everyone will notice. That means that you also took time to get to know me. Thank you.
I am delighted that you are enjoying Palmer. I mean it when I say that he changed the way that I think about teaching. Since reading that book, I focus on trying to build a learning experience in my classroom each time that we meet. I'm not sure that I always succeed (There are good days and days that don't work quite the way that I thought they would.)but I always consider how I can create space and tension that will draw the audience closer to the topic. I consider how I can share my passion in a way that will open it up as an invitation rather than make it seem distant and inaccessible. Those are lofty goals but Palmer convinced me that I had to commit to making them my goals and I think it has made me a better teacher.
Thanks, Lindsay. Now, will you consider continuing this blog? I'm sure that we could find more people who would enjoy reading it!! I'm serious. You should consider it.
Jackie