My name is Eric Ekstrom. I'll start my brief introduction by saying my first experiences working in educational setting completely scared me away from the profession. I was an education major concentrating in social studies at SUNY Cortland when I found myself deterred from pursuing the profession. Since graduating with a history degree in 2012, a series of disappointing job opportunities and some soul searching has brought me back. My first opportunity to work with kids was as a modified wrestling coach for Webster Schroeder last fall [2013] and I instantly fell in love with the school setting and working with my team. Several months later I find myself surprised to say that working for Monroe #1 BOCES at the Start/ALA program has made me completely happy, fulfilled and has lead me to pursue my Master's here at Nazareth in Adolescent Inclusive Ed. and Special Ed. Before my experience at Start/ALA I did not think I would enjoy working with students with disabilities, however as I settled into the setting I found myself fully committed to the students and their academic goals, social development and all around well being. I actually am exited to start back to see everyone on September 2.
I am completely enthralled, and a little nervous to begin my graduate program while working full time. The student population at Start/ALA all generally have some emotional and/or social disabilities, and are in an alternative school setting to better suit their needs as learners. Everyday I learn something new; I learn from experience, I learn through conversations with other faculty and staff, and learn just by listening and observing teaching styles and interactions. Starting this program is exciting for me as I look to develop my understanding for my student population and my skills as an educator. This class is exciting for me in that it gives me new and different ways to interact with students that will appeal to them; you could say it puts me on the cutting edge.
I'll keep you posted.
-Eric
