This is my second post and I would like to say that I am very much looking forward to pursuing my dream of becoming a teacher. I have finally applied and have been accepted to Granite State College ( just waiting for transcripts to come in). As I think about my future career as a teacher, I will utilize my experiences at GSC to become better prepared to enter the classroom of the 21st Century. After researching and learning more about GSC, I am more excited to begin my courses so that I can finally make my goal of becoming a teacher a reality. Today I was talking with a friend of mine and I had mentioned GSC - she told me that she had graduated from the college with her associate and bachelor's degrees, and that I would really enjoy my courses and the learning experience. I would like to say THANK YOU GSC for helping me continue my educational journey, and for being so helpful and kind throughout the admissions process. A special thanks to Doug Cooper, Jodi Quinn, and Cara Newton for being so friendly, kind , and caring.
Name: Dan DeQuoy
Graduated: 2015
Location: Manchester/Concord
Degree: B.A. Individual Studies English Language Arts with teacher certification in Elementary/General Special Education
I have always been, and always will be a learner. I found myself faced with having to be creative with my education when my parents had the difficult conversation with me that my acceptance to Northeastern University was not something they could afford, even with the $3,000 a semester scholarship. A well respected and accomplished student all throughout my childhood education and suddenly I was faced with having to create my own method of continuing my growth as an adult. Little did I realize at the time - this was a good position for someone like me to be in.
I was fortunate to get a contracted job with full benefits at the University of New Hampshire right out of high school Fall of 2001. It is the University System of New Hampshire I have to thank for my education – both professionally and academically. While working full-time at UNH, I attended classes part-time, receiving a free class each semester as long as I kept my GPA up. Some semesters I took on multiple classes; a couple I even attended full-time while continuing to work full-time as well. It took five years, but I was able to receive my Associate of Applied Science in Community Leadership at the Thompson School without any debt whatsoever. This degree focused a lot on non-profit management and leadership development. It literally opened my eyes to options for a career I had never considered before. I began to research local non profits and seek out leadership positions. This search successfully led me to working for Strafford County Nursing Home as an Activity Aide, which then turned into the positions I have held since, working with elderly and in non-profit agencies.
For my bachelor's degree I was referred to Granite State College as my professor and advisor thought the self-design program was right for me. She was certainly correct in thinking so! The self-design program at GSC, along with their supportive staff assisted me to create a meaningful and fulfilling curriculum that I use today in my statewide job. Granite State College is a school that works alongside with you, and that is why I love it so much.
I am now working on my master's degree in Leadership at GSC so I can truly complete the journey I have started for myself through the University System of NH. I currently oversee a federal, statewide program for NH call the Senior Companion Program. We have 80 volunteers who visit with over 400 frail and homebound elders and adults with disabilities in their homes. We partner with 27 fellow senior care and non profit agencies in our program. To have a master's degree of this aptitude I will be able to continue to expand my leadership role within the program and beyond. I have aspirations to be the Director of Elder Services for my agency one day. My current director is looking at retirement in the near future and I would love to take on the challenge. If not with the current agency I am in, I am now also considering working for a federal or state program with a high level of responsibility. I have always said since realizing I loved working with seniors, I would like to one day be an administrator who oversees a community living facility for seniors or even work with the Attorney General’s Office.
- Nicole
Today I am sitting at an educational conference for paraeducators. I am writing as I await their next break and my next opportunity to help someone learn how teaching certification can be within reach. With Granite State College's new undergraduate teaching certifications, as well as the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certifications we can now make teaching certification a reality for more individuals. Granite State College can also help Paraeducators achieve Paraeducator II Certification with the State of NH with a five class sequence or an Associate's Degree.
I am excited to be able to tell prospective students that we can now offer teaching certification with a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies in Social Studies, English Language Arts and Math Studies or a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. We are offering the same teaching certifications as at the Post Baccalaureate level:
General Special Education (K-12)
General Special Ed (K-12)/ Elementary Education (K-8)
Early Childhood Special Ed. (0-age 8)/Early Childhood (N-grade 3)
ESOL (K-12)
Mathematics (5-8)
Secondary Mathematics (7-12)
By specializing in the critcal shortage areas for teachers in NH, Granite State College is able to help individuals be more "employable" upon earning teaching certification. Para educators are so excited to hear that they do not have to stop working to take classes and earn certification. Both undergrad and PBTC programs are job embedded and field based, meaning that we want you working in a school or approved program during your time with us. Classes are available online, as field based or occasionally as face to face, so you can live anywhere in NH (and surrounding states) and complete your teaching certification.
Time to go and talk with some future teachers and tell them... how easy it is to get that teaching certification... that allows you to take that teaching position... increases your ability to positively impact the future of our children and schools... and furthers your career!
The Master of Science in Project Management is intended to provide students with a highly transferable set of skills and competencies that are in high demand across a number of industries. GSC's first masters degree is designed to provide students with both pragmatic content and high level learning opportunities that can prepare students to advance in management and leadership level positions. A cursory search of job postings lists many positions in which project management skills are specifically identified. In addition, managers in general can gain a competitive advantage in the job market by gaining project management competencies.
Granite State College worked closely with industry experts to develop its first masters program in order to ensure our graduates will be well prepared to compete and advance in their chosen careers. At this point, the Granite State College masters degree is the only MS in Project Management offered by a New Hampshire institution.
We are confident that our new masters degree will meet the advanced education needs of working adults and professionals across the state and beyond. The new program will be offered entirely online as well as at select Granite State College locations.
She was extremely frustrated from attempting to get into art school as an adult student. Most of the art schools she contacted were very discouraging. They told her she needed a portfolio and letters of recommendation. "I'm a mom!" She said. "I have been home raising my children. Why do I need a portfolio to show I know how to do something that I am looking to learn?" "Don't they understand that if you aren't coming straight from high school, you might not have these things? Who am I going to ask for a letter of recommendation? My kids? My neighbor? "Isn't there an adult college program for people who want to get an art-related degree?"
We made an appointment for a phone meeting. When we spoke she told me that she was just about to give up on college when she did a Google search for "non traditional students" and found my blog. She said that after she read it, she decided to speak with me to see if Granite State College could help her to achieve her goal.
Happily, I know a thing or two about art schools, in addition to knowing Granite State College. I suggested that she look into coming to GSC for an associate's degree. She could pursue a General Studies degree, filling up her program with all of the art classes that we offer. Although we do not offer enough art classes to create a major, we do offer entry level drawing, painting, sculpture, etc...
By pursing this path, she could start school without having to jump through the hoops that were frustrating her, and through taking our art classes she could begin to create a portfolio. Because this type of studio class is always offered in a live format, she would have instructors that she could ask to write her a recommendation. She would also be able to get her general education classes out of the way. At the end of the General Studies degree she would have 64 college credits to potentially transfer to the art school of her choice.
When I pointed out to her that we were offering an Intro to Drawing class at the Currier Museum in Manchester this winter, She was extremely excited. When I finished explaining how easy it is to apply to Granite State College - she was sold. Her plan is to become a student at the beautiful new Manchester Granite State College campus.
I love helping people to start on the path toward their dreams!
Are you interested in exploring the area of teaching literacy? You can begin your learning process by attending Granite State College in Rochester, New Hampshire where you can create your own self-design program so that you can achieve your Language Arts Degree.
Once you complete your general education requirements you will then begin the arduous process of learning to read and write as a college student, a very different experience from the long ago and far away high school years.
Only after the full completion of Multi-cultural Perspectives in Literature, Expository Writing, American Literature, Short Fiction, Creative Writing, and British Literature will you be invited to read much, much more!
My book list for my Capstone is a challenging and interesting one. The titles include Letters to a Young Teacher by Jonathan Kozol, Is There a Text in This Class? By Stanley Fish, The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller, and Breakthroughs in Literacy by Susan E. Israel.
It is such a good thing that I do love to read! Do you? Then why not begin today? Children today need to be gently reminded that books and reading are still important. I can hardly wait to write my paper because I am excited about all I am going to learn from the process!
(L-R: Theresa & Heathers Mills)
A view of Gosport Harbor from the porch of the Oceanic on Star Island:
This particular student, let's call her Miranda, works in a local elementary school. While she enjoys her role as a para-educator, she really wants to pursue Teacher Training Education. As a former high school dropout, Miranda didn't think she was equipped to go to college, but once she attained her G.E.D., she realized that she was thirsty for more. She decided to apply to GSC, the New Hampshire State College that offers Affordable College Study, and she's eager to start her Childhood Education Courses this fall.
Miranda wants to work with children that have special needs. At GSC, she will pursue a B.S. in Individualized Studies: English Language Arts -- which will enable her to meet the federal Highly Qualified Teacher requirement, and the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in General Special Education. The reason Miranda chose GSC, she told me, was because she could continue to work in her chosen field while taking Evening College Classes. I'm willing to bet that she will also find, as I have found, that taking classes with other adults of all ages provides a rich educational experience. GSC is the college in the University of New Hampshire System that specializes in Adult Higher Education.
The excitement Miranda expressed -- when she saw evidence that her abilities are indeed college-level -- is one of the reasons I love working at Granite State College. It's such a great feeling to watch someone's face light up at the realization of their possibilities! Our students are so invested in their education, because many of them already have real-world experience, and they are incredibly motivated to do well in their studies. They want the most out of their education. And we at GSC are here to cheer them on!
In December of 2007, I went down to the local Granite State College office and met the greatest people. From my academic advisor Nancee Caughey to the office staff, Cindy, Patti, Julie and Molly, they were all clearly pulling for me to get back in the game! They could tell that I was nervous about returning to classes after 15 years, especially the online classes for criminal justice. I wasn't the most computer savvy guy and I was more than a little intimidated. They explained the process of re-enrollment, accuplacer testing and the many new programs available to help me obtain an accelerated undergraduate degree.
The thing that caught my attention first was the huge variety of degree choices. I had choices like Associate in Science in Business, Criminal Justice or even General Studies. All of these choices were now available online too. No traveling to the Berlin NH College or to any Concord NH Classes for credit. I settled on continuing with a Business Degree, now at the Associate level, and realized I was actually more than half way there! My fear was replaced with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose. I thought, "This is really going to happen!"
Next: Online classes, test outs and the impossible becomes possible!
I hear similar questions frequently from the students I advise and do not always know how to respond. I cringe however when I hear myself saying "Intro to Sociology is offered in Portsmouth this term. You could take it now to get your social science GenEd out of the way." Ouch! Does that mean if you aren't a Behavioral Science major and don't need Intro to Sociology for your major that it isn't an important class? Of course not! So I am trying not to say that any more and instead encourage students to use their GenEd choices to take classes that sound interesting or subjects they have never studied before. I want to tell students to use these classes to enrich their lives, gain understanding of topics outside the focus of their degree, find interests and talents that they never knew they had and, most of all, savor the learning experience. GenEds round out any degree and enable us to pursue subjects that are sometimes outside our comfort zone or to enhance the degree in creative ways. GenEd courses should be chosen thoughtfully and not taken just get it out of the way...
More on this topic in future posts.
Little did I know when I ventured out from under my comfy, protective rock the twists and turns of enlightment my precious journey would take.
Today is the day I will finish the book Media Studies An Introduction by Robert Kolker which is the text for my Independent Learning Contract with Professor Craig Nevins. With this amazing book in hand I have time-traveled far and wide from the days of newspapers and yellow journalism to a new millenium crampack filled with the next greatest things from myspace.com to the latest and greatest notepad that is all the rage as I write this blog.
As the saying goes, "I didn't know what I didn't know!" One thing I do know for sure, I am more informed about the media and the way it has massaged me over the past 50 years of my life. I am also less paralyzed than I was before I began this course because I now have a backdrop from which to go forward into future learning efforts of my precious education, most especially where technology and media are concerned.
During these past couple of years at Granite State College I have experienced some stunning revelations after finishing most of my courses. But I have waited and resisted this course about media studies for a couple of reasons, fear being the most significant one of all. I was afraid I didn't have enough knowledge base to take this course because I really don't keep current with the latest and greatest techno-inventions. Frankly I would rather be hiking along "The Road Not Taken" than sitting in front of my computer screen, that is, until Blogging arrived in my life.
My second reason for resisting this course is more about my lack of interest in technology that has remanded me to the prison of my own ignorance. It is good that I have finally taken this course because I have enjoyed learning how far we have progressed in this country. We do have the best and brightest minds in the world who are truly the visionaries of our evolvement.
I am unafraid to learn more about the technical developments though I must concede, I will live forever in total fear of the daze and gaze of the advertising world and its incessant sales pitch.
So, even if "Media and it's Message" is a general requirement in any particular course of study, I now understand what it brings to my well-rounded Liberal Arts Education at Granite State College.
Granite State College has a great program that grants college credit for their military training. A Bachelor of Science in Applied Studies (BSAS) works in conjunction with their military credits as a technical/career focus and students receive 24 or more credits towards the major component of a BS degree. They then choose an option to further round-out their career goals: Management, Allied Health Service, or Education & Training. In addition to taking the general education courses such as math and English, students include classes in one of these focus areas to meet their specific career needs.
Have you been or are you now in a branch of the military service? Visit an Academic Advisor at Granite State College and learn how easily you can get an education and career advancement.
Spring registration begins this Friday the 26th. For those still needing a Spring Course Schedule contact your regional center.
There are many opportunities for you this spring at Granite State College. As always, Spring is a prefect time for personal and educational growth. During my travels I have met with many who are taking this opportunity, this Spring, to begin or continue with their adult college careers.
I have met with students who are new to college. They have been nervous about the process and the great challenge ahead. I have connected them with advisors who help guide them towards positive outcomes and I have connected them with Academic Support staff to assist with tests, papers and classes. There are always faculty and staff at GSC willing to help support our students into becoming successful graduates.
I have also met individuals who have taken classes at different colleges in the past and they are now interested in transferring those classes into Granite State College and completing their degree. Many of our student started college on a different campus and in a different classroom. We are honored to help you finish your degree and make every effort to combine the classes you have already taken into our degree programs.
Other students I have met are interested in beginning their college career with us, taking General Education Requirements and then transferring them to another institution. We are happy to assist all of our students in whatever pathway leads them towards success.
If you are looking for a New Hampshire Adult Education program, Granite State College was created specifically for you. We offer adult online classes, evening college classes, and weekend college classes. Contact your region's Outreach Coordinator today to discuss your educational opportunities here at Granite State College.
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