I currently work as a high school English teacher in San Antonio and have about 160 students each year. My first year teaching, six years ago, I taught entirely junior English. The following four years, I taught English 3 AP, a course heavy in writing rhetorical analyses and argument essays. Last year I was asked to teach English 4 AP, a course with a focus on writing literary analysis. So far, I entirely prefer the rhetoric course. I have to try very hard to get excited about literature that I have not learned to love myself, but I do always appreciate honing the skill of essay-writing.
For the past few months I have been struggling with what I want my future career to be. I never planned on being a high school teacher in the first place, but I absolutely positively love my job. When it starts to feel like work or if I want a greater challenge, I have considered working in an administrative position, either in curriculum and instruction or as an assistant principal. I don't feel that I am skilled enough (yet) in the language arts realm to venture into the specialist territory. I really enjoy teaching writing to my upper level students. It has been a great challenge for me to get my students on-level to articulately compose an essay without holding their hands through every single step; this is part of the reason for me enrolling in this course. The senior English class offers students dual credit through San Antonio College, but I would need nine additional hours to teach through a community college. I am considered a non-degree seeking student at Texas Tech, though I will eventually pursue my PhD in the next five years. Maybe at Tech!
The simplest definition of composition to me is parts that make a whole. The word "compose" initially invokes an association with the arts, either a piece of music or a painting. In regards to this course, and to my English classroom, it is an accumulation of thoughts and ideas, focused on a specific subject. Hopefully.
A fellow San Antonian! :-) I also live in San Antonio and just recently became a Project Manager at Pearson. Prior to this position, I worked as a Senior Editor for 10 years for the same company. I've found myself in your shoes - struggling with what I want to do in the future. I play with the idea of teaching English at the college level and then I don't...but lately, I've felt that pull which is why I decided to pursue my MATC...get myself more up-to-date on current communication and English issues. A lot has happened since 1995 when I got my undergrad degree so in a way, this is a refresher and a learning experience for me to help me further my goal to teach. Go for whatever pulls you!
ReplyDeleteI agree that composition is an accumulation of thoughts and ideas. I shared on my blog that I felt composition integrates reading, writing, and thinking skills into everyday life. Looking forward to working with you and others in class!