Ballots arriving in your mailbox
Posted on 17. Oct, 2008 by admin.
Posted by Michael
Finally, ballots have been mailed!
The League of Education Voters has endorsed Gov. Chris Gregoire and 37 state legislators who will help adopt bold education reform solutions during the 2009 legislative session. We’re also urging voters to vote NO on Initiative 985. It’s an initiative that’s neither good for education or transportation.
Click here to view our full list of endorsements.
Continue Reading
Becoming Senora Wallace: November 4: Election and Interview Day
Posted on 17. Oct, 2008 by admin.
It’s out of my hands, and for the moment, I am relieved.
I submitted my Master in Teaching (MIT) application to Seattle University on October 1st, and I turned in my MIT application to the University of Washington last Thursday. Some people don’t like the waiting game, but I don’t mind it.
The application process was obnoxious, and it felt like I was cramming for final exams as I completed the last bit of paperwork. Maybe it was stressful because it’s been about six years since I’ve dealt with college applications. On the other hand, perhaps it was the difficulty of tracking what the Offices of Graduate Admission want vs. what the Colleges of Education require. While SU’s application requirements are pretty standard, UW asks for an endorsement evaluation (your courses/credits must match the requirements of UW departments), 60 hours of classroom observation (thank goodness for my City Year experience) and supervisor evaluation(s) from the observation.
I complained throughout the process although I wouldn’t have wanted it to be any easier. Applying to graduate school for teaching should not differ greatly from applying to any other master’s program.
On Wednesday, exactly two weeks after Seattle U received my application, I was invited to an interview! On November 4th (as if that day’s not significant and nerve-racking enough), I will participate in a group interview (with six to seven other candidates) and deliver a two-minute presentation on the following questions:
• What are the qualities that you bring to the teaching profession that will make you an effective teacher?
• What are the aspects of teaching you believe will be most challenging for you?
Seattle U is more expensive, but I would earn my certification and master’s degree in four quarters. I have always been attracted to the university, it’s much smaller than the University of Oregon (my beloved undergrad alma mater), and I love the location of the campus.
UW is less expensive… or is it? UW requires MIT students to take a course on the education of an ethnic group before the program begins, and depending on whether the UW Spanish department accepts credits from my UO Spanish degree, I may have to take additional Spanish courses. Taking classes prior to the program may mean additional fees. The newness of the MIT program can be exciting, but the info session made me nervous because many aspects of the program are still uncertain. The UW College of Education is revamping the MIT Program so that students can earn certification in one year and have an opportunity to observe and student-teach in more socioeconomically and racially diverse schools.
It’s eerie but energizing to think about college again. Just walking the two campuses made me nostalgic for Eugene but eager for a new academic experience. I am reassured to know that I can’t lose by choosing either program. With any luck, UW will offer me an interview by the end of the month. I am crossing my fingers that I will have the luxury of deciding between the two schools because they both have great programs to offer. For now, I’ll enjoy the anticipation of another interview and the relaxation of no longer worrying about applications!
Continue Reading
Send education champs back to Olympia
Posted on 17. Oct, 2008 by Lisa.
We’re urging voters to send lawmakers to Olympia who are committed to building an education system that prepares every student for life after high school, whether it’s college, job training or work.
Rep. Geoff Simpson, running for re-election to the State House Position 1, and Rep. Pat Sullivan, running for re-election to the State House Position 2, are the best choices for education voters.
Rep. Geoff Simpson (D-Kent)
www.votesimpson.com
A career firefighter and former city councilmember, Rep. Simpson has served four terms in the legislature. As chair of the Local Government Committee, he has focused on improved public safety and open government. He has demonstrated consistent support for children and public education with his votes for children’s health, education reform, better school funding and increased post-secondary education opportunities. Families can count on Rep. Simpson to fight for what matters most: affordable health care, good jobs, a strong economy and an excellent public education system.
Rep. Pat Sullivan (D-Covington)
www.votepatsullivan.com
As a former mayor, father, youth sports coach, and PTA volunteer, Rep. Sullivan has a proven record of accomplishment and leadership. He has joined a bipartisan team of legislators on the Basic Education Finance Task Force to develop a bold proposal to reform and fully fund Washington’s schools. It’s called the Model Schools Proposal and is available at www.whatittakesforkids.com. Parents, teachers and school advocates seek out Rep. Sullivan because he has a track record of listening carefully and bringing people together to work on the priorities of his community and state.
Stay tuned next week for an additional message about our endorsement of Gov. Chris Gregoire and opposition to I-985, an initiative that is neither good for schools or transportation.
Lisa Macfarlane
League of Education Voters
