I have finally met the sign that says "fork ahead" and I am excited. Life has presented me with two opportunities: continue teaching where I'm at, or go complete graduate studies. I have decided....(drum roll please...) to pursue graduate studies. Here's the plan: I'm going to apply and turn in all the materials necessary. If I'm offered the assistantship - GREAT. If not, that will be my out. Frankly, I can't afford graduate school right now unless it's paid for with an assistantship.
I have spoken with many people and been asked (and asked) several questions that led me to this decision. While my concern for my program is legitimate, I know they will carry on without me. I love this job and these kids, but my life cannot be complete here. As my principal was telling me, it sounds like I'm trying to talk myself out of this opportunity. Perhaps, I am a bit nervous to embrace it and go for it already, it came so much sooner than I was expecting!
While I am concerned that this will close some doors of opportunity, I know it will open just as many that wouldn't have been otherwise. Life is about to get very interesting...
:)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Opportunity Knocks...
Should I answer and welcome it in; or do I need to ask it to come back again later?
I recently emailed a collegiate band director I know about the possibility of coming to study conducting with him. I happened to time my email just right because his graduate assistantship is open for Fall 2011. This assistantship would cover all fees and provide a $4,000 stipend (talk about awesome!). The degree would be an MA in Teaching with a cognate in Music Education. To many, this decision my seem easy, but to the Green personality, it's a headache.
Rationale:
Living around here is not satisfying. There isn't anything to do in this town aside from my work. Living a life of just work isn't a happy and fulfilling life. I need a change but don't want to go to another job for another couple of years.
I want to become a college band director. This would help me along that path.
This is, essentially, a free ride for graduate work.
Considerations:
Have I enough teaching experience for this to be as fulfilling as it could be? And is it enough experience for the job applications I would do after I completed the graduate work?
What will happen to this band program after I leave?
I spoke with a close friend of mine on the phone for about 2 hours and we hashed it out, a LOT, and kind of talked me into going for it. I'm emailing mentors right now to find out what would be the most appropriate course of action. I know what I want to be told, but not what is best.
I recently emailed a collegiate band director I know about the possibility of coming to study conducting with him. I happened to time my email just right because his graduate assistantship is open for Fall 2011. This assistantship would cover all fees and provide a $4,000 stipend (talk about awesome!). The degree would be an MA in Teaching with a cognate in Music Education. To many, this decision my seem easy, but to the Green personality, it's a headache.
Rationale:
Living around here is not satisfying. There isn't anything to do in this town aside from my work. Living a life of just work isn't a happy and fulfilling life. I need a change but don't want to go to another job for another couple of years.
I want to become a college band director. This would help me along that path.
This is, essentially, a free ride for graduate work.
Considerations:
Have I enough teaching experience for this to be as fulfilling as it could be? And is it enough experience for the job applications I would do after I completed the graduate work?
What will happen to this band program after I leave?
I spoke with a close friend of mine on the phone for about 2 hours and we hashed it out, a LOT, and kind of talked me into going for it. I'm emailing mentors right now to find out what would be the most appropriate course of action. I know what I want to be told, but not what is best.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)