Hello to everyone! I am currently seeking my Master's degree in Special Education at MTSU. I wish I could tell you that I dreamed about pursuing my Master's immediately after graduating with a B.S./Interdisciplinary Studies in May 2010, but that would be untrue. I wanted to begin work at any number of Elementary schools in the middle Tennessee area since I am certified K-6. I found out the hard way that the majority of schools are not hiring, and the ones that are hiring have an endless supply of teachers that have been laid off because of budget cutbacks or the thousands that have graduated in the past few years.
One of my passions besides wanting to be an educator is politics. I love politics!! I love the mud-slinging, I love the different views, and I love the robotic answers that I hear from politicians when asked about a certain issue. One of the all-time greatest responses of any politician is that we need better schools, better teachers, better opportunities, more money for schools, more money for teachers, more this and more that. So, as a graduate, highly qualified and all, where is the proof that these political issues are being resolved? I see that GM and Dodge received plenty of help. I see where our technological infrastucture is being catered to. I see health care being treated. Mortage companies have been given a pass. Banks have been given aid. But what about our kids and their education? What about the individuals who have been trained to teach these kids and can't find a job? What happens to the politcal stances of a politician once elected?
With all of this said, I felt compelled to seek further education regarding Special Education. I still have hope that I can make a difference in a school setting. I want to educate our kids and I want to be prepared to teach these kids with all of the different teaching styles that I can possibly use by being trained in Special Education at MTSU. I'm sure that many other people share my same desire. I'm also sure many other people share my same confusion with politcal speak versus political action.
I love politics, too. Although I'm sure we do not see eye to eye on the heated political issues, I have to agree with you on this one. Our economy was so called "flooded" with stimulus moneys but what did it do? I hear talks all the time about cutting art education, music education, physical education, etc. But it all comes back to one important aspect: those subjects are not on the state mandated assessments. Let's cut'em cause their not important; we'll save money. Dr. Khan said it best when he said we teach the logical left side of the brain and not the creative right hemisphere. I know I got off on somewhat of a tangent but I believe it all comes cull circle in the end.
ReplyDeleteI am not a person who enjoys politics but as you will find out, education is a very politically charge field. It is the first thing political candidates talk about when they run but it is not heard about as much in mid term discussing. The policy makers in education seem to have major political influence yet fall short on having practical classroom experience to base their decisions on. You try to vote in the best people for a job. One who will promote a better education system but it is not always followed through with as they progress in address other issues. I wish things were really about the students but I often think the students are simply pawns on the chess board of politics. And, that is all I have to say about that!
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