Last month, I started
the final semester of my graduate studies. After two years of online
coursework, I was more than excited to begin on-the-job training as a student
teacher. Not only did I have a short commute to the school, I knew
several parents, students and staff members including the outstanding
principal. It seemed like an ideal situation but one critical element was
missing. Perhaps blinded by my eagerness to be in a classroom, I
underestimated the importance of an effective working relationship to foster a
productive learning environment. It would not be fair to share just my
point of view here but suffice it to say that differing expectations led to a
lack of healthy communication - or was it the other way around?
After the first few
weeks, I reflected upon my education which I take very seriously so I can be
prepared as much as possible to be a novice teacher. With just 14 weeks
in one's life to learn as a student teacher, I value this apprenticeship
greatly. Unfortunately, I was not in the dynamic learning environment I
expected and wanted. While most student teachers would try to just
"get through" with hopes of a passing grade, I do not want to
compromise my commitment to learn. The opportunity is just too valuable
and would be wasted if I'm not learning as much as I feel I can. It would
be a disservice to me and my future students if I didn't take this critical learning
experience earnestly.
After much
deliberation with my wife and my supportive professors, I chose to withdraw
from this semester and start over in the fall with an increased focus on the critical success factors. With a great amount of
thought behind my choice, I am confident this is the best decision for me.
It's not the first time I've made bold but deliberate decisions about my
career. Thankfully, they have all worked
out really well. Besides always believing things happen for a reason, I will
still be ahead of my goal of graduating in May 2016. I had intended to
start my degree program after enjoying a year as a stay at home dad. Instead,
I got ambitious and hit the books hard just a month after retiring from my
corporate career and haven't stopped since.
My unexpectedly
challenging situation has been a great teaching moment at home. I've been
transparent with my kids with my thought process and decision. I've
shared that it is important to make personal goals, to stay true to those
objectives, and to make decisions with thoughtful consideration of information
and consequences. I also stress that their happiness and well-being are paramount
factors. I tell them that with age comes the wisdom to know that life is
long enough for detours, pauses and bumps in the road. Our actions are vital
lessons for our children. I want my own to feel empowered to make thoughtful
decisions about their own choices.
No rest for me though.
My wife has already started a to-do list for me!
