In Chapter 11 of "The Art of Possibility," Rosamund and Benjamin Zander discuss vision. I understand one's vision as the reason or purpose for doing something.
Many times during this program, I lost my vision and questioned why I had even enrolled. I inadvertently began questioning my worth as a teacher. What is the purpose of this class? What is the purpose of this degree? Why am I doing this? Why am I spending all this money on this degree when no system will even give me a chance to teach in their schools? What am I going to do with this degree, anyway, when I'm finished, other than make more money every year?
Making more money was not the reason why I enrolled. I enrolled because I want to become a better teacher and learn new things to teach to my students; because I want to help my students be more successful.
Every time I begin to question myself, I remember my focus, my vision of myself as a better teacher.
Becky,
ReplyDeleteKeep that vision for yourself! Sometimes one door closes and another opens up and if we are focused on the closed door we may miss seeing the open one. This is what happens with me on occasion. It sounds like you've been bombarded with those doubts and have been able to hang onto your vision! Good stuff!
I have been an Industrial Arts/Technology teacher for 24 years and what I have learned in this program has knocked my socks off! I am light years ahead of where I was when I began and I am sure you are a much better teacher having gone through the program. Good Luck!
Chuck
Becky,
ReplyDeleteIt's important for us to have a vision. It's the big picture, it answers the why's and how's for us. As teachers we educate, inspire, develop, cultivate and guide our students, co-workers and the community so they all thrive and become successful. The hard part for me is that we've become so test driven, that we actually leave the child behind.
I chose to attend Full Sail University, so I could be innovative in and outside the classroom. The vision I had was to help teachers in the classroom and improve myself. I believe a great teacher is forever learning and seeking, to bring new ideas. A school should be like the starship enterprise "boldly going where no man has gone before," and seeking new ways develop and expose our students. As teachers we have all lost sight of the vision every now and then. The important thing is opening our hearts and minds to rekindle the vision.
@ Rebecca Day
ReplyDeleteNice post Rebecca. I too have asked myself similar questions. This program has been very difficult for me since I coach 3 sports throughout the school year. I did not have a life and can’t wait to get it back, but I’m awfully glad I did it. My vision is to enhance student’s retention of material. I want to make it fun, but more importantly I want to make it real, rather than simply teach a subject.
I look forward to slowing down in life or better yet, doing what I love. I’d love to make the Spanish program more effective within our district. While I love coaching basketball and like coaching tennis, I commute an hour each to work so this makes it difficult. Another vision that I have is to take control of my life, rather than say yes to everything for the almighty buck.
Becky,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you really blogged about a subject that most of your classmates can relate to. And, of course, I had asked myself those very same questions. Your concept of vision is 'the course'. I have, to, been telling myself to 'stay the course'. The future is unknown and pulling out a master's degree at Full Sail is like you and I sailing on Columbus' ship to the new world. We have NO IDEA what is really beyond. We don't know if we'll live or die, or if we're going to fall off the end of the globe or WHAT!!...But, Columbus stuck it out on his journey and we all know the many, huge surprises that came out of that. So...stay the course!!