The Teacher as the Student

While wrapping up one of my PD courses for this year, I asked teachers to complete a simple exit slip so that both I and the district would have feedback as we proceed for next year.

One of the questions--what would you prefer for next year's PD hours?  One of the answers--fewer of these classes..."I have already finished school."

The idea of  being done with school is a novelty to me.  I don't know that I'll ever be, or have ever thought I would be, done with school.  Soon after starting my career, I went back to get my master's degree.  Then I went through the National Board Certification process.  I joined the South Carolina Reading Initiative and completed 30 hours above my master's in literacy and learning.  Now I'm enrolled in a doctoral program for curriculum and instruction. 

Finished with school?

When I look back to my first few years of teaching, I really feel sorry for the students that entered my classroom.  I had no idea how little I actually knew.  I'm not saying I did any damage, but my instruction was definitely lacking.  It saddens me to think that just because someone has finished school that they believe they know all there is to know.

And it makes me sad for those students.