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Jun. 10th, 2004 12:47 pm
So. This is orientation.
Out of a room of several hundred, I'm the only one with a laptop posting on LJ. I'm not sure if that's good or really, really, bad.
So I've got a lot of info today; I'm really close to done with my GE work, leaving most of the classes I need to take major-related. I talked to the credential people, and discovered who I need to talk to once the semester starts to make sure I keep on track.
I discovered that if I enter the two-semester Phase Program for my credential (after I get my BA), I'd be in Elk Grove district and likely to come out of it with a contract and position. However, if I can't get into that, but into the three-semester standard program, I'd be student teaching in Davis or Woodland, most likely, and would then need to do the scramble for a position once I got credentialed. Fortunately, I've got an Ace in the Elk Grove district, should it come to that, and she'd put in a good word for me easily.
Found out later that most of the above is rubbish. Which program you're in has nothing to do with where you student teach; that was one person's belief, which the credential advisor shot down. He also said that contrary to what you might think, you'd have to be insane or have no life at all to enter the two-semester program; it's far more sensible and better for one's mind to do the three-semester program.
Also, that whole Intern program thing is NOT the same as Credential training. So basically, I apply to the credential department after I have my BA. If I fail that, or if I want to try another way, I can ALSO apply directly to one or more of several school districts in the area. These districts put you in charge of a class IMMEDIATELY with an emergency credential, and you do your required coursework in the evenings and during school breaks. Sounds dreadful, but it's a possibility. Currently, Elk Grove, Sac Unified, and San Juan unified have this program.
And I discovered that once I get my student ID, I ride RT for free. This is very nice, and means I will be taking RT to school, which will save me hundreds of dollars in gas and parking permit fees over the next two semesters. And the damned thing is valid over winter and summer breaks, too. Yay! No more scrounging for quarters when I need to get on Lightrail!
Anyway. Back to the stuff. See you all later.
Update:
Met with the English department Chair and the Credential advisor; these are very cool people who I'll be very happy to work with. The Credential advisor is kind of oddly like John Hurt; he looks a little like him and has a vaguely British cast to his voice, but I couldn't tell if it was genuine or affected. Maybe he's from New England; he talks like someone I knew from there. He has the gravelly John Hurt voice, though. Yeesh!
The Department Chair has that "I am a Professor of English" look so many movies get you to expect: dresses nice, but her graying hair is barely controlled, and her jewelry could best be described as "modern bohemian." She's neat.
One of the workshops I attended was "Don't assume I cook", which was about juggling family and job with school -- keeping your spouse/SO from killing you when you just don't have as much time for them as either of you would like. I got some very good suggestions and advice from them, so don't worry, Sweet -- we'll be fine. ;)
Best quotes of the day:
"After four years of JC, I am so excited to finally be here."
"I thought about going straight to the master's program after I get my BA instead of going into teaching, but then I thought ... 'I'm 22, I'm already married, and I own a house. I think it's about time I get a job."
Very fun day. It's going to be a lot of hard work, but damn if I'm not looking forward to it. And I even figured out a way to deal with something unrelated that's been stressing me. Yay me!
So I've got a lot of info today; I'm really close to done with my GE work, leaving most of the classes I need to take major-related. I talked to the credential people, and discovered who I need to talk to once the semester starts to make sure I keep on track.
Found out later that most of the above is rubbish. Which program you're in has nothing to do with where you student teach; that was one person's belief, which the credential advisor shot down. He also said that contrary to what you might think, you'd have to be insane or have no life at all to enter the two-semester program; it's far more sensible and better for one's mind to do the three-semester program.
Also, that whole Intern program thing is NOT the same as Credential training. So basically, I apply to the credential department after I have my BA. If I fail that, or if I want to try another way, I can ALSO apply directly to one or more of several school districts in the area. These districts put you in charge of a class IMMEDIATELY with an emergency credential, and you do your required coursework in the evenings and during school breaks. Sounds dreadful, but it's a possibility. Currently, Elk Grove, Sac Unified, and San Juan unified have this program.
And I discovered that once I get my student ID, I ride RT for free. This is very nice, and means I will be taking RT to school, which will save me hundreds of dollars in gas and parking permit fees over the next two semesters. And the damned thing is valid over winter and summer breaks, too. Yay! No more scrounging for quarters when I need to get on Lightrail!
Anyway. Back to the stuff. See you all later.
Update:
Met with the English department Chair and the Credential advisor; these are very cool people who I'll be very happy to work with. The Credential advisor is kind of oddly like John Hurt; he looks a little like him and has a vaguely British cast to his voice, but I couldn't tell if it was genuine or affected. Maybe he's from New England; he talks like someone I knew from there. He has the gravelly John Hurt voice, though. Yeesh!
The Department Chair has that "I am a Professor of English" look so many movies get you to expect: dresses nice, but her graying hair is barely controlled, and her jewelry could best be described as "modern bohemian." She's neat.
One of the workshops I attended was "Don't assume I cook", which was about juggling family and job with school -- keeping your spouse/SO from killing you when you just don't have as much time for them as either of you would like. I got some very good suggestions and advice from them, so don't worry, Sweet -- we'll be fine. ;)
Best quotes of the day:
"After four years of JC, I am so excited to finally be here."
"I thought about going straight to the master's program after I get my BA instead of going into teaching, but then I thought ... 'I'm 22, I'm already married, and I own a house. I think it's about time I get a job."
Very fun day. It's going to be a lot of hard work, but damn if I'm not looking forward to it. And I even figured out a way to deal with something unrelated that's been stressing me. Yay me!
