Hello Everyone,
As I was walking the dog this morning, I saw parents on the corners, watching their little ones climb the steps of those big yellow buses. Children anchored by backpacks were heading off for their first day of school. It instantly transported me to another place and time. First as a young mother watching my own son and daughter climb the bus for the first time for their first day of school, then as a teacher, excited for a new year, connecting with colleagues, greeting new students. I remember the butterflies. I remember it all.
Somebody once asked me, “Who taught you how to teach?” My first thought was, “I taught me how to teach.” But that wasn’t completely true. Noe Middle School taught me how to teach. Westport Middle School sharpened my skills as a teacher, and Meyzeek Middle School gave me the confidence to step out of teaching and enter administration. By the time I finished my career in 2009, I’d experienced the rich landscape of Jefferson County Public Schools, a history to be proud of.
I began my career at Noe Middle School in 1982 to 1992. My first teaching position was in an open school. Literally, no walls, Large chalkboard dividers were used to somewhat separate classrooms. And my first teaching job, twenty Educable Mentally Handicapped students, ranging in disabilities from Down Syndrome, to Autism, to students with learning disabilities. Just picture twenty students, with various levels of cognitive and physical disabilities in an open classroom, with one teacher and no aid. I lost 15 pounds that year. It was a challenge like I’d never experienced. It was an extremely difficult year, but that year, and the years to follow were survived by extraordinary colleagues willing to do what they could to support me and my students. The teachers at Noe were among the most dedicated group of educators I would work with. Many of that staff went on to be leaders themselves. A shout out to our team 7-UP. Wonderful folks!
The next leg of my teaching would happen at Westport Middle School. I transferred there because I wanted to be closer to home. Westport gave me the chance to really tap into my creative side. Most of my years were spent teaching on The Humanities Fine Arts Team. Those teams of teachers made learning fun, coordinating the curriculum across all three grade levels, 6th, 7th, and 8th in themed units. Whether the themes were music, a historical period, or community based, teachers would work together to ensure the curriculum being taught was fused with the theme. It would always include simulations, projects. plays, artists in residence and field trips both in town and away. We made learning fun! It was also the place where my mother found joy in her volunteer work in the classrooms and I brought in my father, the journalist to help us start the school newspaper, The Birds-Eye-View. Those are cherished memories.
Meyzeek was my last teaching stop. I wasn’t there long, but I loved the diversity of the students and the community. What a caring staff! I also experienced the tragedy of 9/11 with my students. Watching it in real time in the classroom as the towers came down. One student who’s father was suppose to be at a meeting at the Twin Towers that morning received word in the classroom that his Dad was okay, he was stuck in a taxi cab, late for a meeting. I remember the relief on the young boy’s face when he was told his dad would be coming home. You don’t forget moments like that.
The entire accumulation of experiences in each of these schools made me the teacher I became. It wasn’t always easy, but I look back and am so thankful for the students, the colleagues, the challenges and the learning. Teaching was a calling for me. I’m fortunate to have done what I really loved. I want to take this opportunity to wish the students, teachers, and everyone else who contributes to the success of children a phenomenal school year.
Cheers!
