Annual “get together” for work this afternoon. Last year, it was sunny and 90. Today, rainy and 60. Such is May weather. Such is the shitshow of working for a living.
Saw this on Mastodon today and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Maybe because I’m GenX? Maybe because this all started with Reagan’s “trickle down” economics and other fiscal policies?
This is where I will spend countless hours over the next few months...working through a mix of digital and analog resources, to cobble a dissertation worthy of acceptance.
As I get closer to completion, I realize that the reward is no simply the doctoral degree, but the knowledge gained along the way. While that sentiment about knowledge gained may sound like a cheesy inspirational poster, it does resonate with me.
It has taken a lot of work to get to this point. And, it will require much more work to see it through.
"Get to work."
Continuing on my thoughts regarding efficiencies and organizational development...
Is this really the way education works?
Who is doing the work? Who decides how the work is to be done?
I’d like to think education is much more efficient than this. Yet, my experience and the shared experiences of other educators tells me we have a long way to go before any meaningful change is achieved.
Professional development, in-service, assessments, testing, social-emotional learning...
All these things hold value. Only, the seem to come from the top down. Meetings and trainings should be focused on craft and culture. All the mechanics can be shared in a slide deck or posted on the staff intranet.
People give me strange looks when I say I have homework or when I say I have reading. Their puzzled expression changes when I explain that I’m working to complete my doctorate.
Typically, I am then presented with a question like, "Why would you want to do that?" or "What job will it create for you?" To be blunt:
A) I am doing this for myself and B) I do not know.
All I know is that this terminal degree program has kept me busy, and that I have neglected my posts here. This blog was intended to be a chronicle of my experience as a doctoral learner. And, I need to prioritize a few things such as this blog, my health, and quality time with my dogs.
Since entering the program in late May, the focus on other aspects of my life has been tricky to manage. Yet, I'm still learning. Once I complete the program, I am positive that the job opportunities will present themselves...along with a new set of priorities.
So, I keep doing the work.
