Greg T going to grad school

[helenlegs 11]

Good luck Greg.
You have such an open and positive attitude that I'm sure the 'new stuff' will be something you will be able to take on board, even if it is challenging initially. Good for you!
Take care,
Helen

[GregT]

Well, I gave up after a little bit more than a week. The information just wouldn't sink in. I was sitting pretty comfortably though, in my nice chair and cushion. But I was truly overwhelmed because I just could not grasp certain aspects and I felt that I was holding up the others that were learning with me and that I was wasting their time and mine. I'm back home now and I'm fine. I don't know that I could have actually held a full-time job (teaching) and not become a total ass to be around. Teaching, from what I hear, is a very challenging career, and I've become used to having time to relax, lie around and take things a bit easier.

I was thinking when I first made this thread that I maybe should wait until I was through with school before I posted about this effort. That's okay, though. It's okay to try and fall short, and I don't mind if that my shortcomings have now been broadcasted to all of my PN friends.

Greg

[janetm2]

Greg,
Sorry it did not work but I am sure there is a good reason around the corner. We still think the best of you and I hope you find another avenue to pursue that is more balancing with the relaxation. I was just with a teacher that said it is getting tougher to get her students to get the grades the administrators expect and other issues so she discouraged her daughter from going into teaching. Keep thinking and I hope some other idea comes to you. Take Care. Working full time is no longer a goal for me so I can get that needed rest.
Janet

[HerMajesty]

Have you looked into subbing instead, Greg? I chose it as a way back into the work force because it does allow me to go at my own pace and work as much or as little as I can handle. requirements vary by region: Here, it is an Associates' degree or 60 college credits and passing only the Praxis 1. It also gives you a foretaste of teaching which will either doubly motivate you or totally demotivate you from pursuing a teaching career.

[GregT]

I have substituted before, but it had gotten to the point where I'd be called maybe 2-3 times a year. Just not worth that one meeting you have to go to during the summertime once a year if you ask me.

I'm thinking about doing what is necessary to get involved in tutoring math, whether it's for money or just for free. I really enjoy doing it and think I would get a lot for the students that I tutored.

Janet, you are right, many of us still do need that extra amount of rest and relaxation. I am almost glad that the information didn't quite sink in because I think my life would have potentially been miserable if I suddenly had a full-time job. Also, I may have had to quit if my pain level began to go up over time, and this program says that you must be committed to teach for 3 years in Louisiana after you receive your degree. Not sure what would have happened had I not been able to continue teaching, if they would have just thought I was gaming the system, etc.

Anyway, thanks to you for your kind words, advice and support.

Greg

[HerMajesty]

Wow, sorry, culture shock...I just took a look at Wikipedia and found out I sub for the 5th largest school district in the nation - I could work every school day all year long if I wanted to. Louisiana's largest district is Baton Rouge Parish which is the 93rd largest district in the nation. Somehow it hadn't occurred to me that subbing is such a differnt experience depending on where you live. I think tutoring for a private tutoring service is a fabulous idea for you.

[Grace]

Dear Greg,

As an educator, I want to encourage you to reconsider graduate school. I know it is difficult and it is a shock to the system after being away from an academic environment. I have found that most of my adult (returning) students have quite a struggle. But you have to do two things before you give up on the idea completely: 1) Tell yourself the truth: Your brain is good enough to do this; and 2) Get SUPPORT.

Adult students feel alone and so 'out of it.' And they are far less likely to use the college's resources--tutoring, study groups, writing center--because they tend to feel like they should be able to do it on their own. Heck, that's what they've been doing for years. Get support to help you acclimate. Find a tutor. Go to the rhetoric center. Go to the instructors' office hours. Believe it or not, most professors actually want to see students succeed!

Get someone to talk through the material with you in 'everyday language'--the language of the classroom is often specialized (usually beyond necessity), but there is so much commonsense in it when you break it down. Commonsense ideas and reasonable new ideas explained in a commonsensical way are far easier to retain. An assignment I always give students is to explain a complex concept to their very bright 10-year old little brother. If they can relate theory to a child, they've got the concept down pat.

Please don't give up. Our country needs more teachers and good ones who have lived a little outside of the classroom. I hope you will reconsider at some point. Please contact me if you do. I'm happy to offer encouragement and the occasional reality check.

Best wishes.

[Ray P.]

That is amazing you could sit for that long. There is no way I could sit in a hard chair even with a cushion for 5 min.

[Positivepoppy]

Greg you could look at teaching online? I'm a full time teacher currently off work as recovery from decompression surgery but think it may be an avenue I may explore if I can't return full time. I must confess my research on this is in its infancy stage and I'm uk based but could be worth exploring? Good luck whatever you do a positive mental attitude like yours is the key.

[srinmav]

Hi friends,
More strength to those attempting to study or work against heavy odds. I have been working part time from home since 2004 since that is the only way I would have found work. I can't sit for more than 15min at a time, so I alternate between sitting, standing and recumbent postures at work throughout the day.

A major unexpected development of late. Recently, a software company has hired me as their CTO - and I have been permitted to work entirely from home, though I may have to report at their headquarters twice an year. I will be joining shortly and it has been a long time since I worked in a regular full time employment. I am a bit nervous as I haven't done something like this for a long span of time, at the same time I am excited with the new challenges which will definitely take my mind off the disease. Wish me all the best!