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Stuck at Procrastination Station
by Stephanie Blackburn

Stephanie Blackburn is working toward National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist.

November 3, 2003

Stephanie, Nicole, and I went to a meeting at the University of Rhode Island to get some information about a support course they were offering. Since we had begun a similar class over the summer, we were anxious to hear what the agenda of these classes was going to be. I definitely was excited (seeing as my procrastination is hitting hard and I am not sure what is up or down anymore) about the possibility that the course would provide me with some deadlines! Finally some structure to provide guidance!

Needless to say, after two hours, my euphoria left me. This class was designed for teachers who were beginning the process this fall, not for those of us who started last spring. It was going to cover most of the topics we already covered in our initial support classes. I couldn't do that! I still have three entries to do; I can't think about entry four again (even though it isn't quite done).

It was very clear that I needed to do something fast to get myself on task, on a schedule, and meeting some deadlines. On a positive note, I was able to make some contacts with others who began the process last spring. They too were feeling many of the same things I was. We exchanged e-mails and decided to contact one another for support. I'm looking forward to the additional networking of friends -- maybe they'll give me deadlines!

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Meet Stephanie Blackburn

Stephanie Blackburn, one of Education World's 2002-2003 teacher diarists, received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Rhode Island in May 1994. For the first two years of her teaching career, Stephanie worked as an enrichment specialist in the talent development program for the Westerly, Rhode Island, school district. For the past seven years, she has taught fourth grade at Bradford Elementary School in Westerly. Stephanie was awarded a 2002 National Educator Award by the Milken Family Foundation, in a program that provides recognizes elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education.

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