After twenty years, I have arrived at a new chapter in my life's journey. I earned my teaching credentials. I am teaching in the one context I swore I would never teach in--middle school. I was willing to teach high school, adult school, and continuation school, but the idea of teaching middle school terrified me. However, after completing my student teaching assignment at a middle school in a neighboring town, I fell in love with my little weirdos. My students were at such a fun age--still children but transitioning towards adulthood and attempting to find a balance between both worlds. Yes, the kids could be wild at times, disrespectful, contentious, and otherwise have bad days, but everyone has bad days. My seventh graders also had amazing days, eyes lighting up when they understood the learning goals, excitedly collaborating with classmates to solve problems and figure out difficult solutions. For all the negative that can be said about youth growing up in a hard world, there are more positive things to reveal.
When I saw a seventh grade teaching position available in a nearby rural community, I eagerly leapt at the opportunity. I submitted a packet, hoping the school would give me the chance to do what I have always wanted to do, teach. The interview went well, and I was called for a second interview where I was offered the position. There are challenges and much I still have to learn, but I love what I do. The students are amazing, even on their bad days. They engage, even when the material isn't their favorite.
I am grateful for the twenty-year journey that brought me to this moment. It is exciting and scary and wonderful, and it is my privilege to be here, serving both my students and their community.
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