The Road Not Taken..

As my ninth year of teaching came to an end, I realized that my next professional move would be to complete four classes in order to move towards the ladder of  MA + 30. Due to recent mandates and guidelines set by officials, I realized that time was of essence and with each moment of apathy I would be throwing dollars out the window. As a result, I became very motivated over the summer and finished graduate courses in order to receive a nominal pay increase of less than $1,500.00. Even though the pay increase is below par, the opportunties to use my education would be priceless. One may think  I should stop there, but I didn't.

During the month of August I thought it would be advantageous to enroll in Educational Leadership where I can easily achieve a supervisor's certificate. (Based on NJ standards it seems like this may be only one class!) Eagerly awaiting to enroll in such classes and begin a new path, I realized that it was too late to matriculate and only matriculating students may take the course that I need. My plan B was to then look to be an LDTC in order to provide supplemental services to parents/students during the summer months. Yes, I was hoping to change my summer job from summer school teacher of 11 subjects in one class to a special education consultant. I thought it was a wise choice on my part and would require 4 classes, but an advisor informed me that I needed a master's in Special Eduacation at Stockton and then had 11 credits that would follow. All in all, my journey would be changed for the second time.  Having friends in this particular course convinced me that this would be the path in which I should take since both plan A and plan B did not work out too well.

Throughout my first day of this class, I have learned so many words that relate to technology, but have no idea what they mean, what they do, nor how to access them. This class today has really humbled me and made me realize that despite the amount of education you have, you will never know everything! I have never felt so dumb and inadequate regarding any academic knowledge. During this whole process I was lucky to meet some amazing people. Knowing absolutely nothing and no one, Nick made me calm and we discussed our "lack of knowledge" regarding this class. We enjoyed each other's company and made each other laugh. I am grateful to him because he was calming while inside I was a ball of fire! In addition, there were two lovely ladies who sat in front of us and provided assistance when needed. I am so grateful for them. If they were not in the class, I think I might not ever return! Thanks ladies :)

There are not many adjectives to describe this experience other than being overwhelmed, ignorant, and completely lost. In reflection of writing this, there were many moments of "silent laughter" that made me get through this class on the first night. I have a lot of learning to do and I hope I can reach all the expectations of this course and all that I place upon myself (and yes....not ruin the 4.0 GPA!)

Here is a copy of my favorite poem by Robert Frost:

1. The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;         5 Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,         10 And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.         15 I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.         20

I have never taken the road most traveled and as a result, my life has been amazing! Making different choices than my friends, colleagues, family members, etc. may have seemed to be unwise, but was the most intelligent decision for me! Thanks Robert Frost!