The 2019-2020 school year marks my fourteenth year in education. WOW! It really seems like yesterday that I began my first day at two rural middle schools in Chatham County, NC. Yes, two! I was in a split position. I spent the morning at one school and the afternoon at the other school. I drove an hour and half one way to work each morning. Throughout my tenure, I have worked in elementary school (K-5), middle school (6-8), high school and central offices in some sort of a computer technology/leadership role. I spent the first eleven years of my teaching career in North Carolina and the last three years teaching in Las Vegas, NV. I'm the true definition of a country girl in the big city. Since moving to Nevada, I have also opened STEMbotics Learning Center, which is a K-8 robotics and agriculture summer camp. Read more about our national garden-bot competition and Las Vegas summer camps at www.stemboticsnv.com.
During this fourteen years of growing my craft, I've had the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best educators and educational leaders in the profession. I've also participated in many teacher fellowships that have encouraged me to use my voice as an agent for change in education. However, with all my training and new knowledge from fellowships, each year has provided it's own set of challenges both personally and professionally.
From teacher pay, to changes in policies and pedagogy, to increased class sizes, to professional learning communities, to leadership, to budget cuts, to divorce...I've continued to teach because I have faith in education. Nelson Mandela, once said "education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world". Your influence as an educator could possibly produce the next scientist, doctor or warrior that could save the world! It is crucial that new and tenured educators not lose faith in education.
Now, that lesson plans have gone virtual and our lessons are being recorded. We must remember that even in these challenging times, our abundance or lack of faith will directly impact students, parents and the community in which we seek to educate. Let's share our faith and support each other in our joint quest of educating our village. The future.
“Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible..” ~Mary McLeod Bethune
Keep your faith high, don't complete with your lesson plans with a sigh, and make sure that the resolution for your next webinar is high.
Until next time...
Be Great,
Ursela
