My Journey to Teaching
A teacher affects eternity:
he can never tell where his influence stops.
Henry Adams
I guess it's possible to say that my journey to teaching began as far back as I can remember. As a child, one of my favorite things to do was to play school with my mom. I still remember the name that she gave herself as my teacher; Mrs. McGillicutty. As I got older, I enjoyed playing school with my younger cousins and having the opportunity to take on the role of the teacher! I have such a distinct memory of teaching my cousin, Pamela (who is now ALSO a teacher) about patterns during one of our 'lessons'. She kept calling it a pad-ren. It was so cute!
When I was in fourth grade I really decided that I wanted to be a teacher. I had an amazing instructor that year, Mrs. Ayres. She taught in a way that was fun and creative. I never felt intimidated, and remember distinctly that it felt like such as safe place in her classroom. I wanted to be like her and make learning fun, just as she had done for me. It was during that year that I decided that I wanted to teach, as evidenced by this assignment that I turned in to Mrs. Ayres toward the end of the school year and I have kept ever since:
As I ventured off to college I changed my mind briefly and thought I might try for a more glamorous occupation. I began with a double major in Art and Psychology. However, I never felt that it fit. It was not until I took my first education course that I felt I had FOUND MY PLACE! I graduated from Florida Southern College with a perfect 4.0 GPA in my education courses. It's easy when you love it!!
Now here is the best part of my journey to teaching. After graduating, the next step is to find a job. I applied at a couple of schools back in my hometown of Naples, FL. I went on a few interviews. However, everyone seemed a little leery of hiring a brand new teacher. Then I went in to interview at my former Elementary School; the SAME school where Mrs. Ayres had taught me years before. I ended up getting the job as a 4th grade teacher. The very same grade that I was in when I had Mrs. Ayres and decided I wanted to be a teacher. And here is the kicker......I was in the SAME classroom where Mrs. Ayres had set the example for all that an outstanding teacher should be. Amazing, isn't it?!?
I enjoyed teaching 4th grade for five years with a wonderful team of teachers that were supportive and helpful. After having my daughter, Peyton, I needed an option that would allow me to spend time with her and still do the job that I love. Florida Virtual School was the obvious choice. I have been teaching Earth Space Science and Physical Science with Florida Virtual School for about 7 month and I have loved every second of it. I honestly think that I have the best job in the world!!!!
Now here is the best part of my journey to teaching. After graduating, the next step is to find a job. I applied at a couple of schools back in my hometown of Naples, FL. I went on a few interviews. However, everyone seemed a little leery of hiring a brand new teacher. Then I went in to interview at my former Elementary School; the SAME school where Mrs. Ayres had taught me years before. I ended up getting the job as a 4th grade teacher. The very same grade that I was in when I had Mrs. Ayres and decided I wanted to be a teacher. And here is the kicker......I was in the SAME classroom where Mrs. Ayres had set the example for all that an outstanding teacher should be. Amazing, isn't it?!?
I enjoyed teaching 4th grade for five years with a wonderful team of teachers that were supportive and helpful. After having my daughter, Peyton, I needed an option that would allow me to spend time with her and still do the job that I love. Florida Virtual School was the obvious choice. I have been teaching Earth Space Science and Physical Science with Florida Virtual School for about 7 month and I have loved every second of it. I honestly think that I have the best job in the world!!!!
