I have a strong interest in matters that relate to literacy education so I would like to focus more on learning how to be a good advocate for funding, educational rights and other issues that affect literacy education. I intend on doing that by continuing my membership with Pro-literacy. Org. This organization operates in Washington D.C. and lobby’s with legislators on those kinds of issues.
I would also like to pursue learning more about disabilities in adults since I think many basic skills students have undiagnosed disabilities and this has hindered their learning throughout their lives. Since Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) does not provide an opportunity to learn about adults with disabilities in basic skills education I can pursue that through some on-line programs for professional development
I will also be involved in obtaining a Basic Skills teaching credential beginning sometime in 2010. WTCC will provide this opportunity for professional development so I will most likely work toward the teaching credential through WTCC.
As I continue to learn and grow in my profession, I will continue to look for opportunities that will help me as an instructor in the day to day activities of the classroom. This involves learning about best practices in teaching reading, writing and math skills to adults. I have also thought about taking classes in the area of counselor education because I think having counseling knowledge will help me interact with my students better when they come to me with their problems.
I would also like to read and maybe re-read some of the journal articles and other readings I came across that I’ve saved that I didn’t get to read because they looked interesting but weren’t relevant to what I was doing at the time.
And I’d like to learn how to make pottery, weave baskets or make stained glass crafts just for the sheer joy of learning something completed unrelated to my profession because when I am learning something that has nothing to do with my profession, it refreshes me and helps me to stay motivated when I do the work to advance my professional knowledge. I am attending a four day retreat next April to learn how to do these crafts and explore my creativity.
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