Going back to school?

Ultra · February 15, 2007, 10:32:55 AM

A week ago I ordered up my transcripts with the intent of using my college education for the first time in my life. I could use a little extra income at this time of year and was thinking I would sign up to be a substitute teacher at some of the local school districts. When I contacted MSU to get my transcripts the woman on the other end of the line proceeded to encourage me to finish up the one semester I had left and get the degree. For reasons I do not entirely understand, suddenly I am feeling like getting it done. That it looks like I can do so online is encouraging me even more.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Dear Ultra,

Welcome back to Michigan State University!

Your application for readmission has been approved at the Bachelors level in Communication beginning US07 Semester.

Comments/Conditions:

Meet with an advisor to evaluate what will be needed to finish up in the COM major

You will need to use your MSU NetID (email) and password to enroll in classes and pay your tuition. If you have not yet set up your MSU NetID account, go to http://netid.msu.edu and use your PID and PAN to initiate your account. If you do not know your PID and PAN, call 1-800-496-4678 for instructions.

You may begin to enroll for US07 semester: March 19, 2007 at 8:00 am. Go to http://webenroll.msu.edu to enroll. If you are unable to enroll in a desired course because the system says that adds are no longer allowed, you will need to contact the department offering the course for approval.

Enrollment/Registration instructions appear in the Quick Guide to Enrollment/Registration on the web at: http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/EnrReg/QuickGuide.asp .

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. I will be happy to assist you in making your return to Michigan State University an easy process.

Sincerely,
Dolly Mennare
Office of the Regisrar
(517) 353-4490
reg@msu.edu

Arthur Dent · February 15, 2007, 10:45:18 AM

With only one semester to go seems like the obvious thing to do. Good luck.

Boxer2500 · February 15, 2007, 03:08:31 PM

May as well go for it. With the power of the internet, you can realize that age-old nightmare of showing up to class without pants.

MG · February 15, 2007, 06:52:38 PM

Don't know if you want me to share my experiences as a substitute teacher for 5 years. Its a scary, scary business. Modern education equates quite well with "Alice in Wonderland." If you want me to go into detail, rememvber: YOU ASKED FOR IT!

Ultra · February 15, 2007, 07:03:06 PM

Quote from: MG on February 15, 2007, 06:52:38 PM
Don't know if you want me to share my experiences as a substitute teacher for 5 years. Its a scary, scary business. Modern education equates quite well with "Alice in Wonderland." If you want me to go into detail, rememvber: YOU ASKED FOR IT!

Please, go into detail.

My thoughts, glorified babysitter.

Rich · February 15, 2007, 07:04:00 PM

I, with the help of an assorted number of fellow cretins, used to revel in reducing our substitutes to tears or rage...either was just as funny.

MG · February 15, 2007, 08:36:27 PM

In advance of my expose, if you think the STUDENTS are your biggest worry, think again. Substitute teachers enjoy roughly the same level of respect fvom the REAL teachers as do nice fresh meadow muffins. If you are expecting to be welcomed into the teaching fraternity, forget it. You will be lower than whale shit and welcomed with all the enthusiasm of a convicted axe murderer.

Interlopers from outside the profession are greated about as warmly as Ghengis Kkan's hordes were by the Tibetans.

And things quicky deteriorate from there!

GRAYWOLF · February 15, 2007, 09:21:26 PM

"if you think the STUDENTS are your biggest worry, think again."

My wife thought she wanted to be a teacher, until she did her student teaching...She couldn't stand the parents! Never got her certification....decided to go into corporate training instead!

Tifosi · February 15, 2007, 10:01:15 PM

Quote from: MG on February 15, 2007, 08:36:27 PM
In advance of my expose, if you think the STUDENTS are your biggest worry, think again. Substitute teachers enjoy roughly the same level of respect fvom the REAL teachers as do nice fresh meadow muffins. If you are expecting to be welcomed into the teaching fraternity, forget it. You will be lower than whale shit and welcomed with all the enthusiasm of a convicted axe murderer.

Interlopers from outside the profession are greated about as warmly as Ghengis Kkan's hordes were by the Tibetans.

And things quicky deteriorate from there!

It's been my experience that most regular teachers are so glad to have somebody actually show up and do the job as a substitute that they treat you pretty well...I have a B.A. in English, so that might make a difference to some, but I always thought that people who felt like they were looked down upon were a little intimidated by the perception that the teachers knew more than they did.

Most told me that if I had any trouble, to just yell for them...I got a few kids suspended...had to do it.

Teachers know that you're there for just a few days, and that you don't really know the way things work. They'll support you. The Principal should, too...If they don't, then don't go back.

Be prepared to laugh at yourself, but keep order...I've drawn circles on the blackboard and had kids put their hands and noses in them...sometimes, all you have to do is leave a note for the regular teacher.

It isn't the easiest job in the world, but it isn't that much different from being a parent...and it gets easier the more you do it.

Dan

Otto Puzzell · February 16, 2007, 08:29:31 AM

Quote from: Rich on February 15, 2007, 07:04:00 PM
I, with the help of an assorted number of fellow cretins, used to revel in reducing our substitutes to tears or rage...either was just as funny.

My long-lost brother.

Rich · February 16, 2007, 10:44:10 AM

Problem is, nowadays I just wanna punch kids I see who are just like I was.....

MG · February 16, 2007, 10:47:13 AM

Yup! That's a problem, right there. Punching students is considered declasse these days.

More's the pity.

Rich · February 16, 2007, 11:22:56 AM

Man, Sister Mary Margaret Sadist of the Convent of the Holy Order of the Roman Catholic Disciplinary Sub-bloc had NO problems letting us know what the power of God and the process of Penance felt like....then I had to take a refresher primer once I got home.

Jagman · February 17, 2007, 09:53:59 AM

Ouch!
Memories come flooding back......................

I think you should definitely finish your degree if for no other reason the the great sense of accomplishment you'll get from it's completion. Kinda like closing a good book after reading the last page........

After that, if you're going to substitue, think about either 3rd grade (old enough to understand, not quite ready to be defiant) or junior college.

Or if you really want a good feeling, find the school that needs help the worst, and volunteer there.......

Good luck, and I think the worst is already behind you, this should be a breeze!

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Going back to school?