This all began seven months ago, when I decided to apply for a Study Abroad program through ASU. I will be studying Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Oxford through the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Department of English through ASU. Here we will be studying the Middle Ages and Renaissance through History, English, and Theater. The title of this blog seemed fitting based on the trip I am embarking on and the reasons why I chose this particular journey. While I in no way resemble Bilbo Baggins on his trip through Middle Earth to find himself and help others, it is a journey of learning. There and Back Again: A Journey of Learning is a blog that will describe the process of my journey from application, through the trip, and afterwards once I return.
The reasons I started this blog chronicling this Journey are as follows:
Reason One:
As a teacher and adjunct professor, I do not have a lot of discretionary income, so even though I had to secure financing when I committed to this journey, I knew I would want to apply for any financial assistance for which I could qualify. Therefore I applied for both scholarships and grants. In this process we had to write essays describing not only why we should be awarded this aid, but what we would use the program for. Once award granted to me has me chronicling my journey before and during, and another afterwards.l Specifically I must show how I will use this experience in my classroom once I return to the states.
Reason Two:
The second reason has to do with my profession. I am a teacher, not just any teacher but a teacher in a multi-age self contained gifted classroom. In my classroom we embark on cross-curricular project based learning. I often combine Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Theater together in my projects. This upcoming school year we study Ancient Civilizations, Middle Ages, and Renaissance, so as once can see, this program is perfect for what I will be teaching. As stated above I need to chronicle this part of my journey as well. In addition, I will be completing my National Board Certification this upcoming year and this too will showcase my abilities to teach English Language Arts and Social Studies. For this, I too need to chronicle my journey as an educator.
Reason Three:
While I am on this study abroad journey, my school year will concurrently be beginning. Many of my students had me last year and will have me again this year, while a great deal f my remaining students are siblings of prior students. In my classroom we become a family and this means that this, my extended family would love to learn what I am up to while I am away. Therefore, this blog will serve as a connection between myself and them while I am away and as an anchor for their parent to see what is happening in the classroom once I return.
So let this journey begin!
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