Vision

There are a few things I have been passionate about for a long time. Other things I tend to like for a season. Teaching is something I have always been passionate about. In college I had a new found passion about teaching. Today, my vision is more clearly defined, but still a haze. 

I want to start a school. How do I even begin this, I don't have a clue, but that hasn't stopped me from wanting to start a school. In college we had to design an exemplary middle school based upon the middle school concept, maybe that's where it started. Now being from a college that focused on the middle school concept (since one of the founders of the middle school worked at the college), I grew fond of the principles. What makes a school a good one? What can help schools become more effective? Given the task, I think I was drawn more to wanting to make my own school. I have never wanted to be the one to run the school though. It's funny because most people with a vision to start a school want to be the one to run it. Nope, I want to be the one designing curriculum for the teachers to use, that is unless I am a teacher there myself. If I had a million hours in the day I would just sit and design units and performance tasks for teachers. Maybe that's why I am getting my masters in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. I have told a few people of my vision and have had some people agree to join. I want it to happen, but I don't have a clue how to get there. This afternoon my team teacher came to me and told me we need to set down a date. He said let's shoot for 5 years. Do I think it's possible? YES. Do I really have to focus on the task though? Yes. Where does the money come from? Can there be a way to have a school without government funding and not have to make the parents pay? Is there still a way to pay teachers? 

Blurry vision of the middle school/questions unanswered:

1. $ for teachers: where does it come from, can you get grants like this?

2. $ for resources: again grants? How can we get them? Where do we look?

3. small class sizes (none of this 30-32 people stuff)- under 10- there's a small teacher-student ratio

4. incredible curriculum that keeps the kids interested while they learn important skills and/or help the community at large- in the end they will more prepared for life! The curriculum will be interdisciplinary and integrated. The students will be self-directed.  

5. The community will be involved. Guest speakers will come in. Parents will be welcome to come in and help any time. Students will design projects important to them to help the community. 

6. Different ages could possibly be in the same class. 

7. Field trips will be taken to extend the learning.

8. Researched-based teaching strategies will be used in the classrooms. 

Hm.... so I write all this to let you know it might be a possibility one day, but I need your expertise. If you know about the business-side of life please feel free to respond. If you know about grants (JENNA) please let me know what I can do to get the ball rolling. Oh yeah- Jenna- maybe it can join onto your teen-center.