An Update

So I’ve been terrible at updating this blog…  I think, though, that I’ll start posting regularly again.

To update:

I have since graduated from Pitt’s Honors College with BPhil degrees in Microbiology and Neuroscience.
My thesis research centered on curriculum development at the college level, and I’ve since been accepted to and finished my first semester (today!) of grad classes at Pitt’s School of Ed.  I’m pursuing an MEd degree in Secondary Science Ed.

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s FAR too easy to become a teacher… even in Pennsylvania, which supposedly has some of the most rigorous certifying standards.

I’m building a townhouse in Baldwin with my amaaaazing boyfriend, who shall remain nameless.  We had our pre-construction meeting yesterday and realized we’ll have a great back yard, in addition to our incredible view.  We’re currently living in his parents’ basement, but I’m totally fine with that… not only because I know our house will be completed by the end of October, but also because I honestly enjoy spending time with his entire family.

I’ll start my student teaching at Mt. Lebanon High School in the fall.  I’ve already taken my Praxis II Biology exam (literally the easiest test I’ve taken in my life), and I plan on taking Praxis II’s in Physics, Chem, and Earth & Space Science… and possibly General Science too.  I’m really looking forward to student teaching.  I’ve met my coordinating teacher, and the possibilities for getting involved with research, grant writing, and curriculum development seem  pretty certain.

After watching “Freedom Writers,” though, I feel like a total sell out, going to Lebo to teach.  Honestly, I think the resource differential that exists between suburban and urban schools is a tragedy.  At the same time, I’m concerned about my own career, reputation, and future.  I want a solid foundation on which I can build my professional life, and I feel as though Lebo will provide that for me.

I’ve taken a Part-time Faculty position in the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Biological Sciences.  I’ll be teaching three sections of introductory lab.  I’m excited because, for the first time, I’ll be the instructor (as opposed to a teaching assistant).  The classroom environment will be my responsibility to develop and maintain.  I can’t wait.

I think it will be interesting to compare the classroom environments that exist at Lebo and Pitt.  Even though I’ll be teaching college freshmen at Pitt, they won’t be much more developmentally advanced, when compared to their high school counterparts… at least I don’t think so.

I’ll begin teaching at Pitt August 31st and at Lebo around the same time.  Expect more consistent updates anon.