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The Week of Finals

This week is the last week of our Summer I courses.  Two full size courses crammed into 1 month has me exhausted.  And then, I remember I still have 2 more months like this to go!  I CAN do this.  This week we focused mostly on our final projects which are presentations for both classes.  Tonight is the last presentation for the week, but the work is not done.  We still have take home finals that are due prior to midnight on Friday.  I started yesterday, but have a long way to go with that.

Next month is considered Summer II and before I get geared up for new learning, I wanted to take some time to reflect about what I've learned in this past month. 

I really feel like I've learned a lot about what the teachers do inside the classroom.  This didn't come from instruction as much as it came from getting to know those that are in the program with me.  These teachers teach in various types of schools to various age groups, and they all have magnificent stories to tell.  I can't help but sit back in class sometimes and think about the impact each one of them is making on the future generation.  I wonder if they think about this, or if time goes by and they view it as just another day at their jobs?  I sometimes wonder if they feel they are doing adequate enough jobs, or do they feel like they go above and beyond.  I will say that I think each one of these teachers have shown in class how they feel about their schools, their students, and what they do, and they are driven.  They are driven somewhat by the test scores, but also by the kids that they spend time with everyday.  How awesome to be involved in teaching the next scientist, poet, or mathematician.  At the end of the day they should all be proud of all they've accomplished and what they've gone through.  I'm in awe just sitting in the room with them twice a week.

I have learned that the amounts of technology that can be integrated into studies is only limited by your imagination.  There really is something out their for everyone.

I have also learned that knowing what the law states will keep you safe in your career.  It is also interesting to watch the history of how that law has changed, and what impact it has made on social conformity's and education as well. 

As I get geared up to do my final assignments I can't help but think.  I'm glad I've survived the first two classes, and I am eagerly awaiting this weekend where I will truly not have any homework until my first day of class arrives on Tuesday.

Good Luck on your finals everyone!

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