Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Just the facts, ma'am

Fact: I have been offered a spot in the 2009 Teach for America Corps. I've been assigned to early childhood through third-grade in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Fact: I have to accept or decline the offer by February 2nd.

Fact: I have to attend a summer institute at George Mason University wherein they will cram my head full of the considerable knowledge it requires to be a teacher.

Fact: In order to stay employed for my two years, I am required to get a masters in education from George Mason during that time. Fact: tuition, even with a 50% discount, is $9,500 for two years.

Fact: it is "very highly likely" that I will receive an Americorps grant that will cover the cost of my masters.

Oh, but then there are all these nebulous non-fact things to consider. I don't know if I'll even be good at teaching or like it. There are quality-of-life issues - working 8-4, plus class, plus prep for each day - would I have time to enjoy my life in D.C.? On the plus size, having a master's in education would be something good to have in my hand. And I'll be teaching kids to read. I have the chance to give kids a semblance of the opportunities I had growing up. On a level completely separate and alone, that is just plain cool.

4 comments:

licketysplit said...

Congratulations! Isn't that where you wanted to go? That's ridiculously cool, and I'm just a tad jealous ;)

Sarah at Journeying With Him said...

My friend is doing TFA and has a blog. If you want to read about her experiences, here's the address:
http://teachercaley.wordpress.com/

This has been her first year, and it hasn't been superawesome for her. However, I think she's appreciated the challenge. My neighbor who has done the program thinks the world of it and has stayed on in the inner city NYC districts working as a teacher after TFA.

I Hate to Weight said...

it sounds like an honor to be picked, whatever you decide. if you like the idea of teaching kids to read, why not try it and see if you like it? i always wished i'd gotten a masters in education -- a masters degree gives you many more opportunities. anyway, congrats on earning THIS opportunity. one more thing -- i thing our eating disorders like to contain us and tell us we can't do things, we don't have the ability, we're too weak. it's not easy not listening. good luck

Tiptoe said...

Lisa, congrats on the TFA position. Lots to think about there, but what a great opportunity to get those little kiddies off on the right foot, or at least as much as possible.