This blog is my personal reflection on my coursework as an M.Ed. student at MTSU with my studies in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on ESL. I began my coursework in the Summer of 2009 and will finish (if all goes as planned) in May of 2011.
Coursework - the coursework for the M.Ed. C & I in ESL at MTSU is a demanding set of classes, but when one applies oneself it is all worth it. At first, I was very annoyed that I had to, in my mind, re-take many classes that I took while completing my BA, as my BA is in Foreign Language instruction. My feeling was that I already had the basics for teaching a foreign language - as an ESL teacher English is a foreign language to my students, but as I began my coursework I realized that this coursework was designed specifically for practicing teachers. The professors in my department designed lessons and modules that were specifically related to teaching and to teaching ESL.
I have used every assignment that I completed during my coursework in some shape or form in my classroom. I believe this is what sets this program apart from many professional development and continuing education programs, this program is not one that is completed and never used in the classroom, it is one that requires constant reflection on current practice and implementation in the classroom. That made all the difference to me.
I was even asked by my principal to present some of my coursework as a professional development seminar for our teachers. That really shows how this program is based in the classrooms and current practices of our teachers.
Process of Obtaining Licensure - the Department of Education has very high standards for obtaining a license in the state of Tennessee, which is a very good thing! During my coursework in my Foundations of Education class we were required to research how to obtain our license, and how to renew and keep our licenses current. This was EXTREMELY helpful, and a part of teacher education that is normally lacking, during my BA we just had to figure it out. But, again MTSU excels in this realm and requires students to already know what they need to do and how to do it. I have not began to prepare for my Praxis II exam (I will begin in the Spring semester), but I know with the coursework it will not be an issue. The Department of Educational Leadership is also very helpful getting students the information needed to obtain a license and with the process. A busy student and professional couldn't ask for anything better!
Experiences Working with ESL Students - This part of the coursework was what makes it all worth it! The work that an education professional does with students is really what makes teaching so rewarding. I really tried to include my students in my M.Ed. experience. The students were so happy that I was also in school and working hard. I made it a point to share all of my research with them and present the results of my Action Research with them. This resulted in a deeper understanding for the students of what I was really doing with them and why and also a deeper understanding of what really makes them tick. I really enjoyed assignments that made me work one-on-one with students as I got to know them better and they seemed to really appreciate the attention. I also really enjoyed the assignment that required me to go out into the community surrounding my school and getting to know the families that live there. I know that the parents of my students and the students themselves really enjoyed showing me their lives and also really enjoyed seeing the teacher present in their community.
Application of my Wiki and related materials designed as part of specific classes
As I said above, there really weren't any assignments that I didn't use in my classroom. I really enjoyed that aspect of the entire program. After developing the Wiki I found myself using it as professional development in my school with other teachers, and also found myself referring back to it for different classes.
The practicality of the M.Ed. program is endless. I have used my Action Research projects to help with teacher evaluations, my Wiki in the classroom with students, curriculum development with the staff at my school. Being a part of this M.Ed. program allowed me to become a leader at my school as an ESL teacher and has given me the confidence I need to reach out to help more of my students and the staff of my district.
Advice for fellow teachers - The only advice I have for teachers who wish to pursue the M.Ed. and / or add on license is DO IT!! If a teacher likes to work with ESL students and has the dream to pursue higher education now is the time. The ESL students of the Mid-South need our help and professionalism. The program is very manageable and applicable to any current teaching situation.
MTSU Honor Statement:This assignment/assessment was solely written by me. In no way have I, Jennifer Lassen, plagiarized (represented the work of another as my own) or otherwise violated the copyright laws and academic conventions of fair use. I know that violations of this policy may result in my being dismissed from Middle Tennessee State University and/or appropriate legal action being taken against me.
Jennifer Lassen
11-28-10
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