My first ever blog post

I am a professor in a college of education. One of the courses I am teaching this semester is "Inquiring, Thinking, Learning," which is an introductory educational philosophy course. I was inspired to have my students use a blogging platform to explore and share their ideas and views about multiple areas of education. Since I have never blogged before, either, I am beginning this journey with them. I am excited for this semester!

First, a little history: I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. My grandma told me once that I was only two years old the first time I told her I was going to be a teacher. I remember in first grade wanting to grow up to be a great teacher like my first grade teacher was, and help kids love reading. I always "played school" with my little siblings and their friends; I was always the teacher! I admit I waffled a bit in high school with pursuing that career, since no one in my family had ever gone to college. It scared me. I explored a few other options, took a lot of business classes (which have served me well ever since, so I'm glad I took them!), but then senior year decided to not be scared, to follow my dream and go into education. I am so glad I took that leap!

I taught elementary school for 16 years, including first, second and third grades, and Title I K-5. After eight years teaching, I yearned for more education, so I pursued my master's degree in technology in education on weekends. After finishing that degree, I began teaching Adult Basic Education courses as night, and a couple of years of that combined with a semester of hosting a student teacher helped me decide I was ready to make a transition in my career. So I gave up any and all any free nights and weekends for four years as I pursued my education specialist and doctorate degrees in educational leadership. I then followed a new dream of going into teacher education, and am now beginning my second year in that career.

I cannot imagine what my life would have been like had I not pursued my dream of becoming an educator. I love teaching, I love advocating for students, and I love learning. There are struggles and frustrations and setbacks and political issues, sure, but when you love what you do, the negatives are far outweighed by the positives. I love my career!