Here's the short version of my bio: I have been a teacher for six years. I currently teach first grade in Wake County, North Carolina. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina-Asheville and my graduate degree from the University of Tennessee. I have loved my job from the day I started, and I think I will be teaching students in public school for many more years. I can't think of a more important or rewarding job.
Now, here's the long version: From the time I was little, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I loved elementary school and loved to collect old textbooks and grade books and workbooks so that I could play school with my sister. I went to college to become a teacher and have been teaching ever since. I have taught public school in two states and three counties, all in the southeast. I love my job and have always been proud to be a teacher.
The road to becoming a teacher, however, was not so pleasant. I can't count the number of people who tried to tell me to choose a different career path while I was in college. "It's too hard," they'd say. "The pay is terrible. Teachers are expected to do too much. It's just not like it used to be. I just can't teach anymore. Trust me, you don't want to enter this field."
I have to admit that for a short time, I listened. At the end of my student teaching experience, I had conversations with several people, both in the field and out of the field. We worked together to weigh the pros and the cons of sticking with my plan to become a teacher. Ultimately, I decided to go for it. I had some interviews and got my first job as a first grade teacher.
Since that year, I have never regretted my decision to be a teacher. Each August, I am so excited to go back to school and learn new things, meet new students, touch more lives. Teachers get a bad reputation, and it is my hope that young people who are inspired to be teachers will fulfill their dream. Let's do what we can to change the perception of teaching so public schools can continue to attract bright, talented, new teachers.
Now, here's the long version: From the time I was little, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I loved elementary school and loved to collect old textbooks and grade books and workbooks so that I could play school with my sister. I went to college to become a teacher and have been teaching ever since. I have taught public school in two states and three counties, all in the southeast. I love my job and have always been proud to be a teacher.
The road to becoming a teacher, however, was not so pleasant. I can't count the number of people who tried to tell me to choose a different career path while I was in college. "It's too hard," they'd say. "The pay is terrible. Teachers are expected to do too much. It's just not like it used to be. I just can't teach anymore. Trust me, you don't want to enter this field."
I have to admit that for a short time, I listened. At the end of my student teaching experience, I had conversations with several people, both in the field and out of the field. We worked together to weigh the pros and the cons of sticking with my plan to become a teacher. Ultimately, I decided to go for it. I had some interviews and got my first job as a first grade teacher.
Since that year, I have never regretted my decision to be a teacher. Each August, I am so excited to go back to school and learn new things, meet new students, touch more lives. Teachers get a bad reputation, and it is my hope that young people who are inspired to be teachers will fulfill their dream. Let's do what we can to change the perception of teaching so public schools can continue to attract bright, talented, new teachers.