Campus Life

» Naomi Rockler-Gladen - My last semester as a professor

Hi, folks! This is my last semester in academia. Hooray! To chronicle my final days, I've started an ongoing series in my blog. Hope you'll read along!

And I'd love to hear what you think (and what your story is), so please post to this discussion.

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» crunchymom76 - I once planned to be a professor.

...want to be a professor in the College of Education at my local university. This was before I had children. I was planning to get my doctorate in education so I could help educate new teachers. I felt that, by preparing new teachers, I would have a positive impact on thousands of students.

Now that I'm a mom, I have a different set of priorities--one of which is homeschooling. I feel differently about school and the definition of "education" now that I've been in the trenches as a public school teacher.

I no longer plan to obtain a doctoral degree in education, but I do plan to get another degree one day. This time, I hope to study natural health.

Just wanted to share my story!

-- posted by crunchymom76

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» Grandma07 - My last semester as a professor

In response to My last semester as a professor posted by NaomiRG:
I know this last semester will be tinged with a little bit of sadness, but the excitement of being on the cusp of something wonderful will pull you through!
After all these years, when the school bells ring in September, I still miss teaching for the very reason you love it so much - the students!

-- posted by Grandma07

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» Naomi Rockler-Gladen - I once planned to be a professor.

In response to I once planned to be a professor. posted by crunchymom76:

Thanks, Jan! You know, having a baby was definitely one of the catalysts for my decision to leave academia. Seems to me that happens to a lot of women, don't you think? Unfortunately, what it means is that there are fewer female professors to educate our young people and to be role models for young women. The demands of academia become more grueling all the time, and the people who are asked the most of are usually the ons in their thirties-- the same years we have young children in our lives.

Natural health sounds wonderful. Do you plan to teach?

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» Publius1787 - My Last Semester Classroom

"Have we not gotten past the idea that the role of the professor is to stand in front of the room and insert knowledge into the brains of passive rows of students?"

Some of us rather like hierarchy and formality in the classroom, and the lack of it is one reason why I do not like modern academia (students complain that I'm too formal--not "laid back"--and as evidence cite the fact that I wear a suit and tie to class everyday).

I confess that I was inspired by John Houseman as Professor Kingsfield in The Paper Chase, particularly this scene (I'm not this bad, of course):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qHEBABE6...

(Notice how Professor Kingfield's classroom is set up.)

-- posted by Publius1787

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