A couple years ago I came to the conclusion that it would be beneficial to obtain at least one, possibly two, more certification(s). My goal was to add an ELA and possibly math certification to my existing elementary and ESL endorsements. After talking to several schools I decided to focus on the ELA certification first (I only needed three classes, vs. the 6-8 for math) and attend Oakland University. I took one class in the fall, one in the winter and passed the state test in late winter. This left one class, a children's literature class, to take this summer. The normally required class wasn't being offered this summer or next fall so the university offered me the chance to take a different course, The Author and Illustrator's Craft, and I am glad they did.
The class was taught by published, award winning authors and illustrators. Each author/illustrator lectured for one or two days about the process of creating their work, the publishing process and their individual motivations. After the lecture we had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about specific things that peaked our interest from the lecture. Our assignments were to read three books by each author/illustrator and then choose four to write about in personal response papers.
I found the class fascinating and loved hearing about the process of producing a book. I never realized the amount of research that goes into most picture books--even fictional and alphabetic-based books! The hardest part was that our professor kept reminding us to leave our "teacher-hats" at the door, we were simply readers and not teachers in that classroom. For a room full of teachers (you had to be a practicing teacher to take the class) that wasn't easy to do! I was far from successful and I found several new books that I'm planning on including in my lessons this year.
While I greatly enjoyed the class I was happy to see it end. Getting up at five in order to drive to Auburn Hills every day and then sitting for four hours in a classroom wasn't easy! The professional development has continued though as just after the class ended I received the e-mail with the directions for my annual SafeSchools training, but that is a subject for another day. For now I'm going to get back to unit planning and classroom design!