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=English Education Graduate Portfolio =

I started my graduate school journey in the fall of 2010 after taking some time off to get some teaching experience under my belt. I came back to school because I had missed being a student; I secretly envied my high school juniors being able to sit in a classroom and just learn. Instead of simply being a student, I found myself almost becoming a student-teacher again, using the new ideas, tools, and concepts I was learning in my English Education classes and imparting the texts and theories of my English content classes to all of my students. I found myself renewed in my passion not only for reading and writing, but for learning and teaching. Now, I am in the process of changing from teaching in a public school to a charter school, and I could not be more excited to take what I've learned the last two years to a new set of open and eager ears and eyes. Because of my journey as a graduate student, I have reaffirmed my prior beliefs and ideas that education is an ever-changing system, except now I am more prepared and willing to step into the world of the 21st century learner and cultivate eager, willing students. However, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish most of this without the consistent pushing, pulling, and prodding of my persistent professors to challenge and motivate me, even after being away from my college family for so long. Despite the length of time that I spent teaching, I believe I never forgot my roots - the ones that grounded me in the need for passing on literature and writing to the next generation. A very wise lady once told me that I was going to make a difference in the world; I can only hope that she is proud of me as she watches over the world. I want to dedicate my work and my accomplishments to Dr. Gayle Price. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Because of the amount of information present in this space, there are two sections of information to navigate in my portfolio: All major assignments/work and the graduate standards reflections for each class are housed under each class section for easy access. Starting with the "Professional Reflection" page for each class (the last link under each class section) will give a brief course description and the reflection using the Graduate Teacher Candidate standards. Each page that houses significant work for the class also includes context in regards to the specific assignment.
 * To see the work I have chosen for my Professional Reflections Portfolio, you may click on the links under the class sections (on the right side of the screen) for the following classes:
 * ENGL 555 - Language in School & Society
 * ENGL 671 - Literary Criticism
 * ENGL 675 - Young Adult Literature
 * ENED 683 - Teaching of Writing
 * ENED 690, 691, 692 - English Teacher as Researcher
 * If you wish to see other work that is not included in my Professional Reflections Portfolio, you may click on the pages under the ENGL 673 and ENED 685 class sections. These pages, as they are not officially included in my Professional Reflections Portfolio, do not include context for the work showcased.

Thank you for viewing my portfolio. I hope that you enjoy learning about my journey as much as I have had living it!

With serenity, Lorelei Futrelle