a narrative of journey humility, humor and hope. the purpose of this paper is to reflect on my...
TRANSCRIPT
A Narrative of Journey
Humility, Humor and Hope
The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my personal journey as a teacher. This paper will examine my early life, my own schooling from grade school to graduate school, as well as my personal adjustment to changes in my classroom situations and duties as they evolved over a span of thirty-five years.
Introduction
A brief overview of teacher narratives Aspects of narrative Development of the second self
(Inchausti)
Literature Review
Themes•Reasons for writing
•Union of reflection and action
•The “nitty gritty”
Writing to grow: Keeping a personal-professional journal
- M. L. Holly
“to explore and grow from experience and reflection on practice”
(Holly, 1989 p.5)
Teacher Reflection: a perspective from the trenches-K.M. Sharp
To increase effectiveness in the classroom
To improve utilization of resources
Lives on the Boundary- M. Rose
Message of hope and perseverance
Challenge to find own way, to become own person
“the urge to grow, the pressure of self-actualization, the quest for one’s identity”
A Life in School: What the Teacher Learned
- J. Tompkins
“Insofar as I was afraid to be exposed, they too would be afraid.”
Learning who we are is a lifelong process
The cruel reality Trusting your
professional self
Opportunities for further development
In-depth study of the role of narratives Link between reflection and learning How reflective practice is taught and
learned
Birth
February 2, 1944 Saint Louis, MO Jefferson Army Barracks “Lucky to be alive”
Childhood
Return to Pottsville, PA at age six months
First family home at age six
Saint John the Baptist Grade School No TV Voracious reading habit Decision about the future
Nativity B.V.M High School
Freshman Year High School
1958 Nativity B.V.M. Sister Beatrice, MSC 276 in class
Sophomore and Junior YearsHigh School
1959 - 1961 Convent School Productive Disquieting
Senior Year High School
1961 - 1962 Return to Nativity
B.V.M. Senior I Newspaper Visit to Villanova College Decision
College Years
1962 - 1966 Kutztown State
Teacher’s College Change of Major Student Jobs Failed class Graduation August
1966
The Years 1967 - 1979
Schuylkill Haven School District First Teaching
Position Kindergarten
June 1969 move to Long Island, NY
1974 Move to Allentown, PA Sister M. Aurelia:
Renaissance Woman Learning to trust my
professional self
April 1979: Death of husband Return to Pottsville, PA
The Years 1980 - 1989
1980 - 1981 School Year Saint Patrick’s Grade School
1982: Merger of Saint Patrick’s and Saint John the Baptist schools to form All Saints School
1984 - 1989: Challenging Years
The Years 1989 to Present:
The IU Years 1989 Assignment:
Class of Children with Autism Changing times in
Special Education
1999 Assignment: Itinerant Learning Support/Emotional Support Teacher Freedom of the road Flexibility
Alternate Education Programs Operation Plus Possibilities
Conclusion
Regrets Failure to Journal Delay of discovery of
Second Self
Resiliency Flexibility Recognition of
Options Humility, Humor,
Hope