Sampson County Schools

My teaching began twenty-nine years ago and was inspired by several educators I admired and respected during my K-12 years. What exactly inspires me to continue to teach in the secondary environment has changed throughout my career. In the beginning, I found that I wanted to save all those lost souls and not to brag, I did reach quite a few. I was young, full of enthusiasm, and it was easy for the high school students to confide in me. After a few years, I noticed things started to shift. I was not as young, but the students I taught were still in the same age range, so I did not connect with them as much as I had in my earlier years. So, I became very active in sponsoring clubs, coaching sports, and volunteering for dances and such. These activities with the students seemed to help, and I felt connected again. I always felt confident in my abilities to teach my subject matter, but the connection with the students was a struggle because of the age difference. To me, the relationship is just as meaningful as the actual teaching. In my later years, I have now accepted my role as a mother. Yes, I am a school mom. I understand that most of my students need nurturing at school as well as in their homelives. They also need someone who will be honest with them and, at times, stern. Unfortunately, many are not getting this in their homes, so I do what I can to provide this emotional need and overall support in the school environment. So, to say my students inspire me to teach and continue to teach would be a definite yes. I teach for them not only to educate but to support them through these difficult years.