So I've made yet another life decision. (Isn't it fun trying to keep up?) I definitely need to go back to school. It keeps nagging at me and nagging at me until even my poor subconscious has to scream for me to go back to school.
We're definitely moving away from Asheville, and were thinking Raleigh (since that would be the most do-able). However, about half an hour away from Raleigh is Duke University. They offer a PhD in literature (though not comparative literature, but that's ok) and also a Master's in Teaching. The MAT is basically a paid internship - while I take a few classes, I teach English in one of the local high schools. The program takes a year, and I could always jump into the PhD program upon completion.
I do want to teach college someday, because if I'm going to teach literature I want to teach it to people that WANT to be there and discuss it. Since college students have more of a choice than high schoolers in the matter, they're the logical choice. Soon enough I'll have to think about getting three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and retaking the GRE (the score lasts 5 years but that date is soon approaching for me), and all that fun stuff that is made more fun by not having been in school in forever.
So what do you guys think? I know a few of my readers / friends are teachers, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
EDITED TO ADD:
So I just found out I missed the deadline for this. It was January 30.Oh well that gives me another year to prepare right?
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Pub Trivia
17 hours ago
3 comments:
Okay, first, I think it's awesome that you're thinking about going back to school. Also, being a teacher is great. I love the job, and if you think it's for you, then go for it!
I went through an internship program myself, and it worked well for me. My cousin Ryan went through that MAT program, and it was a good program.
On college vs. high school, there are a couple things to address. First, yes, college students are more likely to be motivated, but don't be prepared for awesome lit majors all the time. Especially when you are a new college professor, you are going to teach English 1A to every poor bastard freshman who has to do his general ed. In other words, a lot like high school. And high school kids have their good points, too. I like their energy, their sense of humor, their confidence... It's worth trying out, anyway. Have you ever considered substitute teaching? You could almost certainly do it with the degree you have now and a simple test. Subbing was how I figured out that yes, I COULD handle teaching high school.
Thanks Count!
I realize that college students may not be that different from high schoolers. I guess I'm just after the prestige. :P
I'm glad that you want to go back to school, too. However, if you want to do a PhD program, you can't apply out of the blue. You have to look at the faculty, figure out who you would want to work with, and reach out to them. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people apply for less than ten spots a year in these programs. Then there's the issue of no jobs after you finish. A Master's degree seems like a more practical, and still intellectually stimulating, option.
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