With Starbucks' re-release of the pumpkin spice latte, it is increasingly clear that fall is in swing and summer has said its good-byes for this season.  I have finally settled into my new dorm room, confirmed my work hours, and finalized my course schedule; senior year has arrived and it is time to hit the books once again.

This semester I am taking three Master's level special education courses as part of the fifth year program in Severe Special Needs.  I feel especially privileged to be learning from some of the best professors I have yet to meet during my career at Boston College.  For those of you who might recognize courses titles from your own studies, I am taking the following special education classes:

Families and Human Service Agencies
Assessment of Student with Low Incidence/Multiple Disabilities
Human Development and Disability

So far, the classes have been challenging but extremely interesting.  In fact, one of the courses requires readings from a pre-medical studies text book.  (I have to say that I never expected to be reading a science book again in my pursuit of a teaching degree!)  But, I have learned so much already, from the etiology of intellectual disabilities to the in and outs of writing a IEP in accordance with the law.  This is truly shaping up to be a great semester, and I am so excited for the next couple of months.

While I have been enjoying my course load very much, being surrounded by Master's students who are currently holding full-time positions in special education schools across Massachusetts has forced reality to sink in; I am only two years away from real-life.  Four short semesters from now I will be applying for teaching positions and establishing myself with the field.  It is an amazing, through nerve-wrecking, feeling to have your dreams materializing right in front of you.

Having realized that my time as a responsibility-free college student is nearing its end, I have begun to formulate some plans for the future.  I plan to graduate in May 2013 with a Master's of Education in Severe Special Needs and special education teaching certifications in both Massachusetts and my home state, Connecticut.  Following the advice of a good friend and former teacher I worked with in past years, I have tried to get a head start on the teacher certification process.  I was so happy to discover that Connecticut offers a Praxis waiver for the reading, writing, and math tests that is dependent on one's SAT and/or GRE scores; this will save me at least a couple hundred dollars worth of testing fees.  Sadly, Massachusetts does not appear to offer an equivalent option, although if any readers know this to not be true, please let me know!  As I attempt to navigate through the chaos that is teacher certification testing, I strongly welcome any advice you may have, as I'm sure other student readers would as well.  The process is a bit daunting to us newbies who hear the rumors of the MTELS and Praxis as we walk through the hallways on our way to class, and any assistance you might offer would be greatly appreciated.


I will be sure to touch base soon with updates on classes and the like.  I hope everyone is enjoying their school year thus far and look forward to sharing my experiences with you throughout my senior year.  Go Eagles!