I have been fully accepted into a curriculum and instruction graduate program at my alma mater, UT Tyler. I will start classes in May, and I am so giddy that it almost feels like when I went back to school in 2008.
So, what will I study? Funny you should ask. . .
I originally considered programs that I thought might open up opportunities for better paying positions within public education. I stressed myself out and worked myself up and agonized over the decision for weeks. I declared special ed as my focus, seeing the great need for special ed services, but after researching the opportunities possible via the curriculum and instruction path, it became evident that pursuing a master's in special ed curriculum would not do much for my career. And as much as I'd like to be very noble, I have to be honest and acknowledge that I am just not cut out to give those kiddos what they need for 7+ hours a day every single day. Special ed is probably not the place for me.
I was discussing my angst over making a decision with some fellow teachers - all more seasoned than me - and one of them asked, "Well what do you want to do?" while another suggested I do what I makes me happy. Novel idea, huh? So what should I choose, then? I love reading. I love teaching reading. I love when kids get excited about books and want to share their thoughts. I love discovering new worlds and practicing escapism through reading. But what should I choose as my cognate?
I.Love.Reading. When I was offered a position teaching reading, I could not believe how blessed I was. It's what I wanted. It's what I mentally prepared for as I was taking my college courses. It's exactly what I had wished for and what I had dared hope for, even though I knew with the current economy I better just take whatever job I was offered teaching whatever subject I was offered (if I was even offered a job at all). I remember driving home with tears rolling down my face after being offered a job teaching reading because I could not contain my joy in knowing I would be teaching READING. I remember thinking, "Wow, He really does give us the desires of our heart."
So what should I choose as my focus for my Master's degree?
"Reading, stupid."
That's what I told myself when I finally consciously made the decision. durrrrrr... I'm truly giddy now that I've admitted that I WANT to do my Master's in reading. And it's okay that maybe it's not the most lucrative or noble or selfless choice. It's the right choice for me. And besides, I LOVE reading.
