My Dream of Being a Teacher
Since I was 3 years old, I knew someday I would become a teacher. But when I graduated from Western High School in 1975, teaching jobs were scarce, so, I decided to go into nursing. After one semester at Jackson Community College, I quickly discovered nursing was not for me.
In 1978, I married and in 1980, I acquired a teaching assistant position with Jackson County Intermediate School District, working in a self-contained classroom with emotionally impaired children. After 10 years, I was approached by my supervisor with an offer to be a transition assistant that entailed returning the programmed student to his home school district. I worked with general education teachers, parents, students, principals, special education staff, and support staff. During this time period, I decided to return to college.
It was not easy returning to college. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by the birth of our third child, Sarah. Sarah had an in-utero stroke that caused her to have left-side weakness and many developmental delays. At this point in time, I discontinued working with emotionally impaired students and began working with severely multiple impaired children at the Lyle Torrant Training Center. I needed to become knowledgeable about children with physical and mental challenges so I would be able to help my own child. After many hours of intense therapy, Sarah is leading a life of a slightly delayed five year old. Because of Sarah, as well as my experiences working with children with special needs, I firmly believe all children can learn but not necessarily in the same way or at the same pace.
My husband and I have two other children. Shannon is 23 and obtained her Associates Degree in General Studies and now has interests in the medical field. Eric is 19 and is enrolled at Lincoln Technical Institute where he will obtain his degree in auto mechanics.
It is hard to believe that I my dream have come true as I look forward to helping children pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Current Employment
For the past 5 years, I have worked in the Elementary SXI classroom as a teacher assistant. We have five students ranging from the age of six to ten. Everyone of the students can walk now, but they are still working on feeding themselves and potty training. This summer we plan on getting to know out new student and enjoying the beautiful courtyard gardens.