Where I am and where I want to go…..

Where I am and where I want to go……well that is a great question. Currently I am in graduate school at UW Milwaukee. To be honest I can’t think of a better place to be studying Curriculum and Instruction. However, I think the question, where I am and where I want to go, is meant for deeper thought, for a deeper understanding of myself. When I think of it in this context it becomes a much more complex and serious question. Where I am; I am right where I am supposed to be at this moment. I am where my children and my wife need me. Although, I am also in school studying to become a science teacher. I am starting a second career, which I must admit is no easy task. I guess I could say that I am beginning a new chapter in my life, a little nervous, a lot excited, and with the support of my family. The next part, where I want to go, that seems like a simple enough question to answer. Or is it? I really want to go where I can make a difference. The problem is I have no idea where that may be. The classes I have taken so far have really made me think about how I was taught and what I learned as a result. I am going all the way back to the beginning, and all the way through my undergraduate studies. What do I think of how I was taught. I think I was CHEATED! If you are one of my past teachers please understand I don’t mean that personally. What I am saying is this. There was research done as far back as the 1930’s regarding how children learn, and the science was there to support it. Unfortunately, no one really took notice and teaching continued as it had. During the civil rights movement and at the time of Brown vs. The Board of Education, it was discovered that students of different racial and cultural backgrounds gained more knowledge and understanding of the content being taught than those in segregated schools. Unfortunately, no one really took notice and teaching continued as it had. There are so many other examples of how I think I was, and countless numbers of other students were, cheated in our education. I asked myself, why didn’t education change towards better methods supported by scientific research. I think the answer is, no one likes to change, it is scary, it is different, and what if I don’t like it. I agree, I don’t like change very much either. Now, I think about the new adventure I have undertaken. This new career path to become a teacher is a big change. Becoming a graduate student is a really big change. I can say without a doubt that it is different and scary. However, I can also say that it is a wonderful change. I want to make a difference as an educator and perhaps I will get my opportunity next year. I know that I cannot change schools everywhere, but I can start a change in my own classroom. I am right where I am supposed to be. I want to go where I am wanted and where I can make a difference.

I have included a couple of websites that i have found helpful. https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/search-articles/category/conservation This site has educational information that pertains to Wisconsin. http://www.eekwi.org/index.htm