This procrastinator is in full panic mode, and it feels good

   It’s time to take a few days off from my hectic life to concentrate on getting this Master's Project paper done! October 15 is the due date for the second draft, which I’m assuming is the entire paper, syllabus and all.

   I am going to ask for unpaid time off from work (I’ve used up all of my 3-weeks of vacation time at the Toledo Blade). Sometimes you have to make sacrifices, and this financial sacrifice better pay off with a diploma in my hand in two months. I didn't have to do this after all! My proposal is submitted, and I hope there are few major changes to make!

   So, this is my plan for the next week:

·      Visit a few high school photography teachers to find out exactly what they think the course should cover in order to satisfy their educational needs. After all, this course is for them - the unsung visual arts heroes who are ultimately responsible for getting high school students interested in photography and into the college photography classrooms.

·      Get that survey approved! It’s ready to go, but I’ve been sitting on the paperwork.

·      Meet with a rep for the Continuing Education office at Owens Community College. I want to make sure the course satisfies their requirements.

·      Design the syllabus and lesson plans.

·      Order my cap and gown.

   Yep, I will be busy tying up very, very loose ends, but I am a procrastinator at heart, and work best under intense pressure.

   Here’s a sneak preview of the abstract:

When high school teachers are tasked with teaching or managing student photographers, they should know how to operate a camera, understand what makes a good photograph, and be aware of the basic legal rights and ethical standards of a photographer.  Photography is more than just pointing and shooting a camera to capture a pretty picture.  It is a technical and aesthetic discipline that invokes critical thinking.  However, because of recent budget and teacher cuts in the subject of art, photography is being taught by teachers who do not have experience or educational backgrounds in photography.  This project involves creating a basic photography course for high school teachers who want or need to learn more about photography.  A syllabus, lesson plans and homework assignments will be developed in accordance with survey results, scholarly research and teacher interviews.