In the Beginning

I never planned for a marketing career; I simply stumbled into it. (Read more about my marketing career here.) After high school, I started at a four-year university intending to become a journalist. As the editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper, I thought I would become a writer. I realized that journalism wasn’t the right path for me at the end of my sophomore year.

An Educational Pivot

​I was unsure of what I wanted to do, but I needed to declare a major by the time I entered my junior year. I had always enjoyed working with children and had volunteered at my local church, working with Kindergarteners, so I decided to pursue a Liberal Arts degree with an emphasis in education.

​I even met my best friend while at the university. She was also studying to become a teacher, her lifelong goal. She had recently transferred from a community college, and we ended up in several classes together. Our friendship began when our professor announced that we would need to work in partner groups. There were four girls sitting alone at separate tables when we were told to pair up. My bestie looked at me, I looked at her, we shared a resigned shrug, and have remained best friends for over 25 years now. 😀

​During my final year of college, I took a part-time job at a preschool working with four- and five-year-olds. I graduated a year ahead of my best friend, so I took some time off from school with the plan of entering the credential program when she did.

Beginning Adjacent

​However, when she graduated and selected her credential block, I hesitated. Although I loved working with preschool-aged children, I couldn’t see myself teaching elementary school for the rest of my life. I would have preferred to stay with the younger children, but preschool teachers are not paid well, and I knew I would need to choose a different career. I decided to leave the responsibility of educating future generations to my best friend, who is excellent at it. In hindsight, I’m not sure our friendship would have survived if we spent all our time venting about the challenges of a shared profession.

​Instead, I decided to go back to the university and finish my communications degree. My collage advisor suggested choosing a specific focus and journalism was no longer an option. I chose public relations. I had no interest in marketing at the time. Ironically, that is exactly where I ended up.

Back to the Classroom

​I’m not going to rehash my marketing career in this post. Those stories are for another time. However, life comes full circle. After being laid off from my unplanned marketing career, I found myself back in the classroom.

​Initially, I resisted substitute teaching and took a temporary, part-time job in my best friend’s school district, teaching STEM in the technology lab. I met with every class once a week for science and technology activities. The job wasn’t perfect, but I had hoped that it would become  permanent so I could pursue other interests while maintaining an income. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.

​After navigating the complex process of becoming a substitute, I find myself back in the classroom. Fortunately, I get to choose my assignments and schedule, which gives me the flexibility to work on my blog. Truthfully, I made the right choice; full-time teaching isn’t for me.

Things are Different Here

​School has changed since I was a student. The children keep me on my toes. They often make me laugh with their unique logic. The “littles” are still sweet and charmingly bossy, while the older students test my patience.  

​I enjoy watching them play organized games, even if I don’t understand any of their ever-changing, invented rules. I do have to credit them for their vast imaginations. I’ve also learned that almost any playground argument can still be resolved with a game of “rock, paper, scissors”—at least that hasn’t changed.

Heavy on the Tech

​Technology has completely transformed the modern classroom. I remember weekly trips to the computer lab to play Oregon Trail. I was excited to see who would die of dysentery that week. If you know, you know. However, today’s students are constantly connected to devices. It is no surprise that teachers can’t compete for their attention.

A big surprise has been Physical Education. Although I wasn’t an athletic child, I loved going to PE. Unless it was a tumbling day because this gal can’t do a somersault to save her life, but that’s another story. My lack of tumbling skills aside, the students today seem reluctant to participate in outdoor activities, even when they get to choose. When asked what they would rather do, the answer is almost always to play a game on their ChromeBooks 🙄

The Numbers Won’t Defeat Me

When did elementary school math become so complex? I always thought the facts were facts. While it’s beneficial to teach students multiple ways to solve a problem and accommodate different learning styles, too many methods cause more confusion than clarity. Then again, it may just be me!

It might have also been the new math curriculum that my best friend decided to pilot in her classroom. I had one lesson with the students that took me almost an hour to complete. It almost defeated me. I am positive that I looked like a disheveled fright after that experience, but I survived.

Unparalleled Dedication to Education

​My experience as a substitute has deepened my respect for teachers. I have many friends in the profession, and have always thought they do commendable work, but even more so now. While I appreciate the jobs they send me, I hope my blogging career succeeds,  as I could never handle the daily demands of a full-time classroom. To all my teacher friends: you are incredible, and I thank you for your dedication to education.

As for me, I am taking this opportunity to educate young minds as they prepare for their future in the world, while I continue to explore mine.

Until My Next Musing!

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