I've been taking a professional development class in fourth grade science from the district this semester. I had to be pretty much coerced into taking it. I didn't want to take one more class - ever. It is being taught by a district teacher about half my age and a retired professor of education from Westminster College. I ended up liking both the class and the women teaching it. The former professor has also been to my classroom to observe a methods student who taught a couple of lessons to my second grade group. I ended up sitting with the two of them giving some feedback and helping the young lady see that her lesson hadn't been a total failure like she thought.
That evening the professor called me out in the hall. I, of course, thought I had done something wrong...me and my big mouth...but no. She asked me if I had ever thought about teaching at the college level and did I want to consider teaching the science methods course at Westminster? I was surprised and flattered. She told me the college had hired someone to replace her and was dissatisfied with them. She said she was going to talk to the dean. I thought, "Yeah, sure."
The very next day she emailed me and put me in touch with Westminster. Long story sort of short - I'll be teaching science methods for pre-service teachers next semester. It's considered an adjunct instructor position, but I can't get the family to stop calling me Professor Mom.
It fell in my lap, but it's something I've been thinking about for quite some time. Part-time work at a community college or university would be a great thing to do in another city, but most places won't hire you unless you have experience. And here experience came, knocking at my door. I am a bit intimidated by the caliber of the other instructors for the methods classes. I know one personally and have met with another. The level of discourse is incredibly high and I am hoping I have the ability to give my students the quality experience Westminster expects. Fortunately, a colleague is teaching the graduate level of the same course and has offered to share his materials and syllibus with me. He even asked if I would like him to come to the first session and help me get started. YES - of course.
Only time will tell if I have bitten off more than I can chew. I hope not. P.S. I kind of like being called Professor Mom.
