I am happy to report that I just finished the third of eight weeks of my final term of EPI.
What did last week entail?
Well, in between post-planning sessions at work, the graduation of my seniors, and other regular life happenings, I completed the third assignment of my problem-based learning lesson plan.
Last week, I had to create a problem statement, a list of Know and Need To Know facts, as well as a list of eight resources.
In the process of working on the assignment, I realized that I had several questions about the assessment, which will be coming up in a couple of weeks.
So, I called my instructor, who had given students multiple phone numbers to reach her…including her cell phone!
Can I just give a shout-out to Mrs. A?
Folks, if you’ve ever got to take classes, you definitely want a teacher like Mrs. A.
She has spent untold hours with all of us.
The thing I like the most about her, and the thing I want to emulate is her willingness to look at each student’s work and recognize the potential in it. Even though Mrs. A told me she would approach my topic from a different angle, she insisted that I proceed on the course I was on, promising that she would not let me travel down a path that was not going to work out in the end.
She’s a tough instructor but very nurturing too. She truly has our (students) interest at heart, and I am so grateful that I’ve got her for this final, challenging class.
So…back to the project…
I’m finding my project interesting, to say the least. I am trying to look at this assignment from the perspective of a student.
That’s what teachers do. They look at lessons from every angle to ensure that they’ve properly unpacked the standards and have anticipated as many potential issues with a lesson plan.
My other two classes are moving along. I had some problems with a couple of my Classroom Management quizzes…technical issues…which my instructor (another fabulous lady) is addressing.
I have to say that I am extremely thankful that I am officially on “summer vacation.” I can now devote all of my time to these certification classes without worrying about making more lesson plans.
I am going to begin studying for my Professional Ed test…the last exam required by the State of Florida. I would really like to take this test before the end of June.
We will see. As you know, I tend to be neurotic about these kinds of tests.
Onward I march…ever closer to the finish line.
I’m already celebrating with you! Give yourself a huge pat on the back…you SO deserve it!!!
I think the older you get, and knowing that you’re a professional, the instructors are nicer to you and are more willing to help. They’re not trying to weed out the bad ones; they’re trying to make the teaching profession better. YAY for summer! 😀