Christopher D. Sessums :: Blog :: Always Beta: An Educator's Motto

Just a brief post announcing my new position...

Starting April 24th, 2008 I will be working for the School of Teaching and Learning's Educational Technology department as an adjunct instructor/program coordinator in the University of Florida's College of Education.

This move is beneficial for several reasons:

1) I will have more time to complete my dissertation research and support the research endeavors of the Educational Technology department;

2) I will have the opportunity to teach and learn from graduate and undergraduate teachers in both online and face-to-face formats;

3) I will be able to assist the Educational Technology department manage, recruit, and retain quality graduate students; and

4) I will be able to assist in the design and revision of online, face-to-face, and blended courses and e-communities.

Needless to say, I am standing beside myself with happiness at the moment. Serving the last seven years as a full-time administrator has been an amazingly enlightening experience. While the fiscal rewards were significant, I found myself feeling discontent and disconnected from the teaching and learning experience which is the reason I entered the field of education in the first place.

So its back to my roots, back to beta, back to where I belong. I like the notion of defining my work as beta in that it is always unfolding, transforming, and never quite "complete." This allows me room to grow, learn, and make the necessary adjustments to fit particular needs and contexts. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you as they unfold, perplex, and amaze me.

[Thank you Terry for the inspiration and the spectacular metaphor! -c-]