Grad School...

The time has come when I am starting to think of possible grad programs to complete. Just like I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, it was always in the back of my mind that I would become a Reading Specialist. In first grade, I began to see the Reading Specialist at my elementary school, Ms Schmidt, and not only do I have fun memories of writing books and reading with her, but I also know that she was probably the reason why reading became my strength in school.

I still feel like that is where my interest lies, so now I am searching for a program that I will love. I am excited to go back to school and take the classes, but I forgot what it's like to fill out the applications, get the recommendations, and deal with all the formalities. It's kind of sucking the life out of my excitement.

Ideally, I want to do the M.A.T. in Reading and Language Arts program at Oakland University. But...they also offer it with an additional endorsement in Early Childhood Education. That is also appealing to me. I've looked at a few other programs, but some of the websites have been hard to navigate and I TOTALLY judge the program itself based on whether or not I can find info. about it on the school's website.

I have heard great things about Oakland and the Reading Specialist in my building actually completed this program and loved it. Whether I stay in the classroom as a gen. ed. teacher or I work as a Reading Specialist in a building, I know that this program would totally improve my teaching.

But I kind of forgot that to get into grad school you have to take the GRE. Boo. Does anyone have any advice about that??