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Originally going into my fall internship at the Center for Education Reform, I knew little about the organization, besides that its focus was education. While I am very passionate about the education field, most of my knowledge comes first hand, from tutoring or assistant teaching. I thought it would be interesting to see what it was like in a non-profit organization whose goal is to advocate, what their inner workings looked like and how they pushed their agenda. While at the Center for Education Reform, I not only understood more about what I desired in a future employer, but I also learned about what the current rhetoric revolving education reform is, a little history of the education reform movement as well as the key players over the past couple of years.

One of the most memorable moments while here at CER was the 20^th Anniversary Conference and Gala. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about CER’s history and impact over the past two decades. I got the opportunity to hear from some distinguished scholars about how we can continue to have a positive impact and create sustainable change in the nations education system.

A goal that I set out in the beginning of the internship was to familiarize myself with education related reforms, legislation and major players in the field. Everyday I received the latest news in the education arena, legislation, reform, political actors and charter school changes. I was able to improve on this goal daily. I feel like I have so much knowledge about what makes up a good character school.

I have also been exposed to the many forms of school assessment.  I have learned that there are an array of assessment tools to test the effectiveness of teachers, schools and the understanding of students. It has been very interesting to see how all the data is gathered and used for the betterment or lack there of in improving schools. I believe this experience will be useful in my quest to become a public educator.

I will miss CER’s quaint office and warm faces, but I know that I am only saying “see you later,” until I am working as an ally in the fight for education reform.  Even in this short time being here at CER, it has reaffirmed my passion for education and inspired me to pursue a career that I will feel fulfilled doing daily. While I am even more confused now about where exactly I see myself in my career, I know that will come with time.

Ta Lynn Mitchell