In year 26 of teaching, at the age of 50, one day before I retire, I want to have my doctorate. Although the timing seems poor, as we will have two kids in college next fall, this secret, not-so-minute desire...now revealed to the whole wide blogging world...keeps bubbling to the surface, seeking to find an outlet. Yes, without a doubt, I am a nerd, one who loves school, classes, teaching, learning, ever professionally growing.
Why now? This degree is the next step on the rung of my professional career ladder, especially since Arkansas State University has since changed their degrees, resulting in my two endorsements now being equivalent to their specialist in curriculum...AND especially since I do not aspire to obtain any of their other educational specialist degrees (superintendency, gifted and talented...). Thus, this becomes the next natural step.
Why now? That husband of mine? He just keeps encouraging me, always saying he would like to be married to a doctor, to Dr. Gillmore. That does make him a definite keeper!
Why now? For the first time in some time, I am ready to return to being the student, to breaking out of the box in which I have resided for maybe too long (?), to meeting other professionals, to thinking...learning...creating...challenging me.
Twenty-six years in teaching and 50 years of life probably does equal the right timing to choose to enter the next phase of my life. Taking that first step has actually already begun, as I gather transcripts and resolve myself to this: no better time exists than now. Then...I think...homework? Papers? Presentations? Hours of studying? Tell me: am I really ready for this?
