Turns out that I'm (of all things) a PROFESSOR!

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
I have been known to sling my opinions around these boards regarding formal education. I'm not against it per se, but I don't think it's for everyone, and I have found that in many cases, academia can insulate and narrow as much as it broadens and exposes.

I've gone back to college about 6 times in the past 25 years and still haven't finished. Apparently, that doesn't mean I can't be a professor for a Masters level course in Education (of all things).

A little background. (forgive my rambling, I am currently working on a script that has me in circles and I need to get out of it for a while). One of the things I studied in college was education. I had hoped to be a teacher or a school psychologist. I don't really remember much of what I learned, but I did read a few books. Second, I am only one of two instructors for the course. Third, the course is focused on developing parent/professional partnerships for teachers in special education, so that when they communicate with parents in the real world, they have a clue about how to do it effectively. That is something I have tons of experience in from the other side of the table. Fourth, I serve on a State committee with the other instructor and I have already done consulting work on this topic with the same university, working with a different professor.

But still, it was pretty cool to pick up a message from the University that started off, Professor Brennan, we have some questions about setting up your e-mail account..."

Life can be funny.
 
Thanks Terry. And no worries, it's an online course. No need to soil myself with the sweaty student body.
 
:thumbup:

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Ironically, I'm a Professor who is spending way too much time (and money) on this site trying to become a videographer/filmmaker. Even worse, I now feel compelled to buy a gold pocket watch on a chain........will it never end?
 
The class is going well. It is great to be a part of this process.

But I have to say that it has not done much to change my views of higher education. For a master's level course, there seems to be gaps in the knowledge base for some of the students, as well as a lack of depth to some of their analyses that is somewhat concerning.
 
Jim Brennan said:
The class is going well. It is great to be a part of this process.

But I have to say that it has not done much to change my views of higher education. For a master's level course, there seems to be gaps in the knowledge base for some of the students, as well as a lack of depth to some of their analyses that is somewhat concerning.
Click to expand...

Well, you did say it was an online course. A lot of times that means a "continuing education" scenario so you won't necessarily get students who are what most would think of as the archetypal college student.

Also, graduate students don't necessarily enter graduate school having a background in whatever degree they are pursuing. I don't know what level of course it is, but if it's an introductory course in its topic, it's not necessarily surprising that some students aren't already fluent in the topic. Are there any prereqs?
 
There are. It's a masters course in parent-professional partnerships for early childhood education. I would estimate that half of the class is already working in the classroom.

They are all very enthusiastic, but some of them are also very generic and "textbook" regarding the assignments.

But I also have notoriously high standards for people working in this field. If it isn't an outright passion for you, then find another line of work.
 
Gracias. It was a good birthday, except for the fact that I worked most of the day and it turns out I probably have strep...

...but hey, every day above ground is a good one.
 
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