Jumping in!

Tuesday, September 4 was the first day of my last leg of schooling for my EBD (emotional behavioral disabilities) teaching licensure program. I began student teaching at my hometown middle school. It sure is strange to be back, but so far, I have loved every minute of it. I'm working with such a wonderful cooperating teacher who is supportive and very knowledgeable. I've already learned so much.

 Because of the new laws about highly qualified teachers, there are a lot more hoops that student teachers have to jump through. I'm completing the TPA (teacher performance assessment) for the State of Minnesota. This will include weekly reflections, TONS of lesson plans, videotapes of myself teaching and an intense focus study on two students. The TPA is used by Augsburg and by the state to determine whether I can obtain my teaching license. Another part of jumping through hoops is taking standardized tests-MTLEs (Minnesota Teaching License Examinations). I passed the basic ones during my undergraduate at UW-River Falls. At the end of the month I will be taking 2 sub tests on Elementary Pedagogy, and at the beginning of October I am taking 2 sub tests on Special Education Pedagogy. I'm not usually a nervous test taker, but these tests carry so much weight!

Not only am I student teaching, but I just began the Master of Arts in Education Completion Program through Augsburg. This means that I am taking one night class a trimester at the Rochester Campus until this spring when I will submit my research paper and graduate with my Masters! We met for the first time last night, and I already know I'm going to love my new instructor. He is 78 years old and incredibly funny. Unlike my normal procrastination route, I've already submitted my homework that is due in 2 weeks. I'm quite proud of myself!

I just thought I'd update you all to let you know why I may be a little preoccupied and the blogging may slow at least for a few months.

Aside from my schoolwork, Tony and I are busy helping the launch of a new ministry at our church Bethel: Young Adult Ministry. We have the kickoff event at the end of September, so we're working diligently to get all our ducks in a row. We're so excited to offer this new ministry at Bethel!

 Here's our website if you want to check out what we're doing!
http://www.bethellutheranyoungadult.com/events.html