I began my teaching career in the early 80's. My first position was in a rural school district in Western, KY as a Resource Room teacher for elementary age students. I continued to work in the field for several years before becoming an Instructor of pre-service teachers at a college in Northwest TN, while also pursuing a Master's Degree in Counseling. My work at an institution of higher learning provided a new lens in which to view instructional practitioners and how they conceptualize their role(s) and responsibilities in the field. Clearly, many pre-service teachers and myself included needed to make a shift in the way we were think about teaching and best practices in training teachers to care deeply for the young people they teach and the curriculum they must impart.
As an Instructor and Coordinator of Early Field Experiences for pre service teachers, it is my belief that it's not enough to just want to be in the classroom. New teachers should consider the impact and far-reaching influence they will have on the learners. While others may contemplate the depth and breath of what a facilitator of learning actually does, we can't forget the importance of being a facilitator of learning. We are also a creator of safe spaces.
After obtaining my Masters, I worked in a grant program sponsored by Healthy Families of America. Several years later, I returned to the classroom. I continued to pursue professional development opportunities to advance my professional skill set, expand my knowledge and understanding of best practices in my field of work and serve as a role model and mentor for new teachers. Along the way, I have grown and continue to desire to learn more be the best practitioner I can be.
