What if I Taught a College Class?

Get a Doctorate? 

“Mrs. McDonell, have you ever thought about getting your doctorate?”  As a few of my 11th grade girls looked up, I paused thought for a few moments and then said, “Not really- I am not sure it would make much of a difference and I am nearing the end of my career as a teacher- and I do not know about all the schooling.”  

But, “You could do it… and that would be so cool.  Dr. McDonell. Imagine that!” 

I have to admit, I have never really thought about getting my doctorate. But, having a group of young women tell me that I could pursue a doctorate; never once hesitating or asking how I would manage it with my kids, job, household duties and other responsibilities was pretty incredible.  

The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of it! I checked into a few programs and realized that there are two schools that have a doctorate program in English or the arts that could allow me to teach at the college level.  

I shared my new thoughts on continuing my education with a friend and my husband. My husband had the good idea of checking out a few postings for community colleges in the area and looking at the credentials required and then navigating the options after determining what direction I may want to take. 

The more I think about it, being an adjunct professor at a college sounds pretty interesting! It would be really cool to teach a class or two.