It is always interesting to reflect on the factors/circumstances/events that have led us to our present place in our lives and to contemplate where the future will find us. This blog is being created for students in LS 612 at Marshall University Graduate College to do this very thing--and to add other comments you would like to add about your journey into the world of school leadership. My personal journey began 35 years ago (many of you are not even that old!) at a small, rural elementary (Grades K-8) in Lincoln County, WV. I started as a teaching principal--with a 7th/8th grade classroom (30 to 35 students), 4 other teachers, 2 cooks, and a janitor. Our building was about 40 years old, a two story brick structure with space heaters in each room, no air conditioning, wood floors, and a rockpile for a playground. I had not taken a single class in administration at that time. I knew nothing (don't know too much more now!). But, I had a lot of support from the teachers and from the parents and community. I wrote an article that was published in Principal magazine last year about my journey. I am attaching a link to it if you'd like to read it. http://www.naesp.org/resources/2/Principal/2008/N-Dp52.pdf
Take a minute to add your thoughts about your journey--where you've been and where you're planning to go.
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Very interesting journey, Dr. Watts. My story is pretty boring compared to yours. I started out in 1985 as a business teacher at West Virginia Junior College. From there, I moved to Boone County and taught 7th and 8th grade English. I took a very long break to stay home with two children. During that time off, I completed my masters degree in Counseling. I returned to the work force when my youngest child was four and have been working as a counselor ever since. I spent 8 years as an elementary counselor. It is not my cup of tea but the children were wonderful. I worked for 3 years as a middle school counselor and this is my fifth year as a high school counselor. I am currently working at Hurricane High School and I really love my job.
ReplyDeleteMy journey begins with a love of children and my community. I completed my undergrad degree in elementary education at WVUP. I subbed for almost 2 years in Wood County before hanging up teaching. Our area was pumping out more teachers than job opportunities were available. So, I left because I could not support a family on the unpredictability of work and lack of benefits. Also, my spouse was self employed and just getting his business started. Therefore, I took a job as a case manager for a WV DHHR contracted company that handled child care assistance to low income families, TANF recipients, and those with CPS involvement. I worked as a case worker for 2 years and was promoted to office supervisor. I worked in that position for 2 years while continuing on to grad school. I participated and chaired several committees regarding Wood County PreK and its compliance with Policy 2525 during my time as an office supervisor. Once my grad degree was completed, I discovered that since my spouse's business was flourishing, I could go back into teaching and not worry so much about finances or benefits. Therefore, I left my social work position and went back to subbing. Once I re-established myself, I took a job as a 6th grade multi-subject teacher. When our county went through a grade configuaration, I jumped at the opportunity to start the PreK program in a nearby school. I have been in my present postion for 2 years and love it! I find that it is not nearly challenging enough mentally (I miss the conversations and application of knowledge!) but nonetheless find my position rewarding and worthwhile.
ReplyDeletePatty and Tina--I enjoyed reading your stories. It is always intriguing to me to hear how folks got to where they are in their careers and lives. No journey is boring. And, each of us made certain key choices along the way. Robert Frost said: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I...I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
ReplyDeleteI am looking for more comments! Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteI have taught since 1986. I have taught every subject grades 2-8 plus Title I Reading.
ReplyDeleteI began teaching directly out of college. I taught one year and attended University of Dayton's for a Masters Degree in Teacher Education. I was riffed after 2 years and then substitute taught for 2 years. I was rehired in my district in 1990 and have taught in the district ever since. I currently teach 6th grade math. I enjoy teaching and my students.
I am a new teacher. My undergraduate degree is business adminstration and after graduation I started subbing for McDowell County. After I subbed for a month, I decided that I would like to get my degree in teaching so I went through the alternative route to get my degree in Special Education. I just graduated with my Master in May 09. I have been teacher for three years. I love my job. I love working with moderatelly mentally impaired student. They are so special to me. I believe that God placed me in this position. I taught LD, BD, and MI for two years in a co-teaching/self contained environment. I prefer teaching the MMI students. After teaching for two years, I had my boss to ask me to get my certification to be a principal so after graduation in May, I decided to go on and get my certification. My boss has pasted away but I still wanted to do this. My mom is the main reason for it. Before she pasted away in April of last year, she had asked me to complete my degree and to get my certification. I feel that my mom is with me through all of this. She is watching me from heaven. I know tht I am a truly bless person.
ReplyDeleteI completed my elem. ed degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, KY. I came back to WV in 1995 and got hired at St. Anthony School teaching 3rd grade. I did this for 3 years and then subbed in Kanawha County until hired at Glenwood ELementary in 1999. I worked there from Jan.1999 until August of 2009 in Title I Reading. I finished my Masters in Reading Education in 2001. I currently teach Title I Reading at Dunbar Intermediate. I am so excited about working with students concerning their reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. Stacie Bateman
ReplyDeleteHello! I'm Tessa Leep. I attended Marshall University for my undergraduate and obtained my Bachelor's degree in Secondary Ed in mathematics. I began working at Chesapeake Elementary School teaching 8th grade math/Algebra 1. I loved my job but I knew I needed to get my Master's. So during my first year of teaching I started my Master's degree in K-12 school counseling. After teaching a few years a position opened at our elementary school. So this is my second year as elementary school counselor. I love my job but can't wait to try out being an administrator. I hope I can do a wonderful job for the students and teachers.
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Carolyn Robinson. I have taught in Virginia for 15 years before coming to Ohio to teach in 1997. I now teach 7 and 8th grade Language Arts at Southern Elementary. I have my Special Education certification as well as my Master's degree in Teacher Education from the University of Dayton. I have taught in Ohio for 12 years.
ReplyDeleteHi. My name is Jane Graham. I have taught in West Virginia 20 years. I have taught in the same school for all 20 years. I teach 8th grade reading. I like my job and enjoy the challenges of teaching this age group. I have a Master's degree in Education and over 45 hours in other class work. I hope to one day be an administrator in a middle school because I really enjoy the students at this age level.
ReplyDeleteWhere to begin? I am John Gray and currently I teach Driver Education at Roane County High School. I am also very involved with athletics as and assistant football coach, assistant girls basketball coach, and head boys track coach. I also serve as the Senior Class sponsor and with that am responsible for graduation. Yes its a pretty full plate. My path to the classroom was initiated by my parents when I was very young. My mother is a high school graduate and my father was a drop-out when he was in 7th grade. Through their struggles and successes they always pushed me and my brother (who also teaches...at Elkview Middle School) to do our best. My dad is a retired coal miner and it was always his goal that we would never have to work in the conditions he did. He wanted us to have successful careers and obtained the best possible education we could. He didnt want us to end up where he did. I appreciate his hard work, both in the house and at his job. I hope I have made him proud...I know I have. Two teachers I had on my journey also helped steer me in the direction I have taken. Mrs. Janice Hively (History - Elkview Jr. High) and Ms. Rhonda McBride "Mac" (History - Herbert Hoover). These women made learning fun. They respected all students, they were involved with the lives of their students, they truly cared about every kid. The passion they had for their classroom and their kids was very contagious. It was easy to follow in their footsteps. After choosing a major I attended Glenville State College where I played football and graduated in 1990. I began teaching upon graduation in Roane County and have been here since. I have taught Physical Education, Special Education, and now Driver Education. I have enjoyed each stop along the way, but my love for sports has pushed me to my current journey...obtaining certification in administration. I have a desire to be a High School Athletic Director and will be one day. Obtaining my Administrative Certification will help with this goal.
ReplyDeleteDr. Watts,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to meeting you. I enjoyed your article, especially the statement, "A principal also must be a scholar, a researcher, and a seeker of knowledge. The knowledge I speak of is not just the coursework that I and others teach
in graduate classes. In addition to that core of knowledge, a principal needs to be a student of history, the arts, and nature, as well as the spiritual and commonplace affairs of life. Principals need to take time to read, reflect, interact with a variety of people, enjoy the little moments of life, and write." I feel that too many times, a person bids on an administration job, they are awarded it, become comfortable in the job and let the world of teaching and learning change around them. I see too many times that they feel no need in keeping up to date with current practices and research.
My journey thus far has been a short one. I have been teaching six years but have met and interacted with many professional, like minded individuals that I feel confident that my ablilities will only get better from these experiences and interactions. You stated in your article that you worked under three different principals in a short time. I have worked for six different principals and five different assistant principals in under seven years of teaching. I have found a lot of postitive and negative things to take with me through this coursework and into my administration career. Whenever that day may come.
I have enjoyed the coursework so far and look forward to the learning and experiences that are yet to come. I feel that as an administrator it is our duty to stay current with research, practices, and issues that involve our schools and the communities in which they are located.
Dr. Watts, I enjoyed your comment about having space heaters in everyroom. Could you imagine a fire marshall walking in to that class room today? I became a teacher because I didn't konw what else I wanted to do. My mom is a teacher so I became a teacher. I got an undergraduate degree in seondary education specializing in English from WVSU in Dec. 2006. I started teaching at Riverside High School immediately after graduating and hated it. I transferred to St. Albans High School, which is where I did my student teaching, the next year. I like SA a lot, but I'm still not sold on teaching. I don't think it is for me. I began a masters program in school counseling in the spring of 2007 and graduated this summer. I loved my practicum and internship and feel that I am much better suited for being a counseler. I am getting the 18 hour principal's certificate. I just started this program this fall. I am enjoying the program, but I don't know if I ever want to be a principal. I want to give myself as many options for the future as possible.
ReplyDeleteDr. Watts
ReplyDeleteAs a student assistant during my high school years in a special education classroom, I thought it would be a rewarding career to teach special education children. Although I was side-tracked with marriage and children of my own, I eventually went to Marshall University and completed my Bachelor's Degree in elementary education. I started my teaching career at Wayne Middle School fifteen years ago. I have worked with students in grades 6-8; however, enjoy the eighth grade students best. I completed my Master's Degree in Special Education. I certainly enjoy this population of students. I am very involved with activities at our school which include: yearbook advisor, field-trip coordinator, after-school contact person, fundraiser coordinator, and a member of the LSIC to name a few.
One never knows what the future may hold; hence, I decided to work toward obtaining my administration certificate. It seemed the timing and opportunity came along at a good time in my life. Eventually, I believe that I would like to work as a supervisor in the area of special education. The idea of a school principal or an assistant principal does not really sound appealing to me at this time, but who knows I probably wouldn't turn down an opportunity because I like to accept new challenges. Currently, the classroom position is still very rewarding to me; therefore, I am not in a hurry to leave it. Being prepared for the next step in my career is my present goal and I feel this program will generate the opportunity for me to fulfill this goal should I choose to move on.
I hope that I can stay as inspiring in my career as you have been throughout yours. Your article certainly allows the reader to understand what a professional leader that you are.
Good to hear from several of you. I am always intrigued with the various factors that have led us to our present work in the field of education and our places in life. I am encouraged by the depth of commitment that is evident in the words you write. Keep reflecting and writing.
ReplyDeleteOk... let's see. I began my college career at Marshall University but took 5 years off to get married and help run my (now ex)husbands business. When I decided to go back to school, I transferred to West Virginia State College where I earned my Bachelors degree in Elementary: Multi-Subject K-8 and Special Education: Mild/Moderate Mental Impairments K-12. Upon graduation I began subbing in Kanawha County where I completed 5 long-term positions at Valley Grove (K), JE Robins(3rd), Anne Bailey (Title I Reading), Flinn (4th), and Lakeside (K). During this time I applied for every job that I was qualified for without a single interview! Feeling discouraged and having gone through an exhausting divorce, I moved to Colorado. I answered an ad in the Sunday paper for a Learning Specialist position and was called in for an interview the very next day. By the time Human Resources got around to what they needed to do a week had passed before I began my new job. I worked as a Resource teacher for grades 3-5 and as a consult for Preschool. We did all of our own assessments for Annual IEP Meetings and Trienial Reviews so that was a big difference from WV. I loved my job! I participated in a lot of professional development and became a building level and district level trainer for a variety of programs. I was also a state-wide trainer for Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and presented throughout the state of Colorado on my personal experience as a pilot site school for this initiative. I did consult work for the state for 3 years, in addition to my other responsibilities. During my 5 years in Colorado I wrote about a dozen grants and was awarded the majority of them, totalling approximately $25,000.00. Although I loved my job and the friends and collegues I made, but I missed my family more. With that said, I moved back to WV to begin my job search again. I got my foot in the door with a 1/2 day Resource position at Conner Street Elementary in Putnam County. I couldn't afford to work part-time but took the position. Within a few weeks another part-time position opened up at Hurricane High School were I was also a Resource teacher for Biology, General Science, and Algebra. It was a long year with no plan time and travel time during my lunch but I made it work. The following year I moved to the high school full-time and taught Resource Biology and Geometry. It was a great year but I missed the elementary level. I also begun working on my Masters degree in Multi-categorical Special Education. The following year I took another position at Conner Street Elementary as a 4th grade teacher and complete my Masters in May of 2008. This year I moved up to teach 5th grade and love it!
ReplyDeleteI love teaching and take advantage of many of the CE's and Professional Development opportunities available each year. I am Faculty Senate President, AFT-Putnam Vice-President,Hurricane High School Cheer Coach and Ski Club chaperone, LSIC and PBS/AIRS team member. In addition to completing my Leadership Studies program, I will begin my National Board Certification this summer... wish me luck!
I began my experience of teaching when I was in high school and did not need another class to graduate. I elected to be help out in one of the special education classrooms. As time went on for the year, I took an interest in helping students and by request from the teacher I was working with, I went into education. I finished my BA degree in 1995 in education and work for several years before I was highered full time. To keep my job at the time I went into special education and within a few years, I earned my MA degree. I worked at four elementary schools before moving the high school to teach due to trying to keep a job. I have been at the high school level for 8 years and like what I do. Eventually, I believe I will get tired of the classroom and want to do something else in education. That’s how I ended up taking the classes to become an administrator. The classes came along at a good time for me and while I am interested in I think I will gain a lot from it. I plan to stay in education because I enjoy helping other and making a difference in student's lives.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Tonya Martin. I began my journey 16 years ago as a Title I Math teacher. My first classroom was in a boys rest room. Maintence came and built book shelves around the urinals. The next year I was moved to a small storage closet, no book shelves there. I was RIF'ed eight years in a row. After three years in Title I, I transferred to a reading job teaching 7/8 graders. Into my third year of teaching reading my job was being deleted altogether. I then taught alternative school for the next two years. I now teach fourth grade and have been here for quite awhile. I completed my masters in special education in 2000. I have considered going for a second masters in administration for the past couple of years. When this opportunity with RESA came along I couldn't pass it up. I do not plan on becoming an administrator in the near future but am keeping my options open.
ReplyDeleteI am Kelly Watts and my journey to education has been somewhat a little curvy. When I graduated from High School I wanted to become a teacher but the teaching field was full and I was encourage to go into business. I first received an associates degree in Accounting and worked in a bank and then was a manager of a travel agency. After the birth of my second child and with my first child entering kindergarten the desire to teach was once upon me. My husband strongly encouraged me to go back for a teaching degree. I started part time with the intent to receive a K-8 Elementary Education Multi-Subject degree. I continued with this program but quickly added a middle school math certification. My first three years were as a long term substitute in High School Mathematics, Reading and PE. I obtained a contract and began my career in middle school mathematics. During my years with middle school I had the opportunity to become a part of the WVDE Project MERIT math initiative for middle school teachers. This grant changed my life as a teacher. I finally was achieving my dream as a teacher that was turning students on instead of off to mathematics. I then moved into the mathematics facilitators job where I was the coach for K-12 math teachers. This was an awesome experience being able to support teachers in improving math instruction. For the past 4 years I have been the Program Development Director at RESA II where I work with teachers, principals, administrators, WVDE and higher education in designing curriculum, professional development, providing technical assistance and learning all new state initiatives. I achieved National Board Certification in 2001 and my masters in Education in 2003. I had originally started the education leadership program but switched due to the easy access of classes through Project MERIT. As I am always keeping my options opened, I thought this was a great opportunity to receive my certification in administration. I really believe in the cohort approach and will either receive a second masters or look towards the doctoral courses in education leadership.
ReplyDeleteI started my journey the way many WV teachers do by interviewing and not getting a job in education. I had the opportunity to take multiple teaching positions in the Carolinas, but instead chose to work as a manager at a telemarketing firm. So, my first teaching job was to teach adults how to sell junk over the phone. Oh, the things we do to get started, right? After a year, I finally got a job teaching 8th grade math in Portsmouth, OH. This was followed by a RIF and so I went to another OH district's high school and taught Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II while working as the assistant band director and spring musical director. Finally, I made it into West Virginia where I taught gifted students Reading and Language Arts before returning to math. Now, I am an Instructional Coach for grades 6-12 for our county curriculum department and I love it! Professional development has always been something that I enjoy. I am also seeking my doctorate in C&I through MUGC. I am hoping to use my administration certification to assist me in continuing to work in the curriculum side of education.
ReplyDeleteMy journey started in 1989, when I started attending WVSC. I only attended for 1 semester before I dropped out to get married. Children soon followed. I returned to school in 1998. I received my BA degree in 2002. I started working as the behavior disorder teacher at Dunbar Middle School. I went back to school to get my special education certificate. I am taking my firt classes in the masters program. My goal is be vice proncipal.
ReplyDeleteI graduated from high school and couldn't decided if I wanted to be a teacher or an accountant. I earned an associate degree in accounting and went to work at the corporate office of a local family owned retail chain. I worked in that position for seven years. Things were changing within the business in a way that concerned my and I chose to resign my position with the company. After some hard thinking I chose to return to school and pursue a degree in education. I attended the University of Rio Grande (Rio Grande, OH) and graduated first with a BS in Elem Ed (K-8 Multi-subjects with a concentration in General Science). I went to work as a sub in the Mason Co School System. After two years of being a substitute teacher I realized that my best path to a full time hire was to get a degree in a shortage area. At the time that was Title I. I returned to Rio and graduated with a MA in Reading, took the Praxis and am now a Reading Specialist (PK-Adult). I work at Point Pleasant Primary School (PK-2 configuration) as a Title I teacher. I have taught 1st grade, special education (elementary), Title I (elementary), Chorus (both high school & middle school), and worked as a county diagnostician. I love to reinvent myself and learn new things. (Sometimes I wonder if it is a sickness!) I have enjoyed working with the variety of people that have crossed my path.
ReplyDeleteI decided to join the Leadership Studies cohort with RESA II because I am really interested in either curriculum or Title I at the board office level. I also chose to join the cohort because of VERY POSITIVE past experiences that I have had with RESA II coordinated trainings and support. They just don't "turn out junk". I have confidence in them and feel like they are really interested in the individuals that they serve. They really exhibit a vested interest in us. Thanks RESA II for this opportunity! I'm excited to see what opportunities this will open for us.
After graduating from Marshall in 1991, I got on the substitute list in Lincoln County, WV. My first full time job was as an alternative learning center teacher at Duval HS. My room was an old doctor's office/restaurant right next to the school. It had seven room where I could isolate the kids. It was great! They cut that job out and I was forturate enough to find job in my field but it only lasted one year as I got a RIF letter. Then came my most memorable job. I had one student with a behavior disorder. He was a bitter and a runner. I spent most of my days up at the pipe yard trying to get this tiny fourth grader to come out of the pipe. Other times, he would run to the cemetery and hide behind a tombstone. I got bit every single day he was present. I left that job after one year and took a social studies job back at Duval for 7th and 8th grade. Then I got another RIF letter. Social studies teachers were a dime a dozen back then. I was always at the bottom of the totem pole. I got a job at Harts teaching half day social studies and half day special education. I took the freshmen boys basketball team. We won the Boone/Lincoln Championship that year. I would coach for the next 14 years at different schools. I went back to Duval, no RIF this time, to teach all day social studies. I stayed there for eight years before consolidation hit the county. This is where I met my wife. I now teach social studies at LCHS. Somehow I got mixed up in soccer. Anyway, my wife said that we need to get our master's degree. I have always been a leader at whatever school I have been at. We decided to both become administrators. We are now both looking forward to the challenges.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Joey Wiseman and I currently teach Ap Government and Politics and Civics at Scott High School. I started my teaching career in a Behavior Disorder Classroom. I had 10 students and an aide in a room that used to be a storage closet, there was even an old shower in the back corner of the room.
ReplyDeleteIn 1997 after receiving my Masters from Marshall in Special Education I took a job at the Central Office as the Transition Specialist. In 2000 a WV History job came open and I took that and was there until 2004 when I decided to make a move to the High School.
I love High School, I still teach Special Educaiton during the summer exteded school year. I also do lots of contract work for the WV Department of Education and am on staff for the WVDE Teacher Leadership Institute.
Last year I decided to go back and work on my administrativve certification. I am not sure what the next chapters of my life will bring but I am always open to change.
I actually started college classes to become a teacher in my senior year of high school.By the time I graduated from high school I had already taken 18 hours toward my teaching degree. I am still taking classes and that was 33 years ago. I graduated from Marshall in 1980 and began teaching immediately in a resource room for children with learning disabilities.I continued pursuing my masters degree in emotionally disturbed and certifications in special education. I later taught first grade,a first and third split class and second grade. I am now employed as an educational diagnostician. I have only worked for Putnam County Schools,except for small jobs while I was in college.I am very much looking forward to ending my career as an elementary principal or assistant principal.
ReplyDeleteMy journey started sometime during my college years. I went to Waynesburg University (formerly Waynesburg College), in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Originally, I went to college with the dream of becoming a television news anchor. I truly wanted Sally Wiggins’ job from WTAE on channel 4. I’ve got loads of work experience within the various media outlets. I was never really satisfied; the work was easy and mundane. A close friend of mine suggested that I check out teaching. I did, but I immediately decided anything below the ninth grade was not worth my time. Also, I elected to teach English, because it was near and dear to my first passion.
ReplyDeleteBoy, I was wrong; my first real job was at Duval High School, teaching the dreaded seventh grade. I was up for a real challenge. This was it. Quickly, I found out that the way I was taught to do things, were not necessarily the way things were to be complete here. Also, I found that since I had been in school; students now lacked motivation and the skills necessary for that grade level. I had a lot of students that were low functioning in regards to reading levels. The solution was to give me a co-teacher. This ended up being the best thing ever. My co-teacher and I became very in-tune with what needed to be done to meet the needs of our students and support them in becoming successful citizens.
Later I married my co-teacher and since then have found that our team, hands down, no other team could ever compete. I grew and learned a world of lessons from my experiences at Duval. Then Lincoln County consolidated all of the high schools into one, and I changed schools to teach at Guyan Valley Middle.
I found myself teaching the sixth grade. My colleagues and I believe that consolidation led us to become this astounding team of six grade teachers. We have a lot of great things happening at our school; if we hadn’t been brought together we would not have these wonderful opportunities or programs that we have spearheaded.
At the present time, I still feel the need to press on and eventually teach in the higher grades, but for right now the sixth grade is the right fit for me. My husband and I together decided that we should get our master’s degree in administration, because we know that there will be a time in the future when our leadership abilities will be put to good use.
I don’t have any regrets about the path I’ve taken. I believe there is a reason for everything. Each step of my journey is another stride of success in my life.
I have been teaching now for four years and I have always had an interest in the role of administration. That interest really increased a little over a year ago and I began inquiring about how to obtain principal certification. This eventually led to me joining MUGC's program. I am enjoying my time in the program and very excited to complete it and attempt to get an administrative position.
ReplyDeleteMatt is Matt Riggs from LS-612.
ReplyDeleteI always knew I wanted to teach, what I didn't know was if I would ever become a principal. The concept of being a principal seemed in the distant future, however, I became a principal at the age of 29. I completed all my education in England. I attended Catholic schools at elementary and secondary level. I then moved to Birmingham to attend Birmingham University where I received a Bachelor of Education with Honors. In England, most students finish their higher education after a degree. A masters degree is not required in order to become a principal. In fact, I only know three people in England who have a masters - one being my brother. I began my teaching career in Birmingham, teaching Year 3 in a low socio-economic community. After two years, I moved back to my home town of Macclesfield, where I taught Year 4 in a private school called, King's School. I stayed at King's School for three years. It was at this school I firmly believe I learned the most about the organization of a well-run school. I had great mentors and high expectations were expected of all faculty members. In England, there are no planning periods, or vacation/personal days, or sick days etc. I was amazed when I came to America to discover teachers received personal days and sick days - wow! In addition to this I was completely shocked to discover that teachers receive planning periods each day. In England, you are expected to grade and plan after school hours. After working at King's School, I moved to Atlanta, GA. I spent a wonderful year teaching inner city students in 4th Grade. I had the privilege of not only teaching in the very same school Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended, but also to meet his son. After a great year working in Atlanta, I moved to Milton, WV. Here I began teaching 4th Grade at St. Joseph Grade School. After one year I was promoted to principalship. I have been a principal for over four years now. I began my principalship with 120 students, K-6. Today, I have over 400 students in grades Pre-K-8th Grade. I have built a brand new school with the collaboration of the Catholic school community and the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. During my principalship I have worked towards my masters and I have a little 2 year old boy called Liam. I absolutely love my job as principal. I see it not only as a job, but also as a vocation.
ReplyDeleteMy Journey in education Began when I was in Elementary school. I had to write an essay for the DARE program. I had to write about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote that I wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from high school I attended college Concord University a got my B.S. In elementary and special education. I have now been teaching for six years. I taught four years in high school special education and the last two years in elementary special education. At this time I am going to school to be an principal and with my degree I would like to work at the board office.
ReplyDeleteDr. Watts,
ReplyDeleteAs a third grade student attending Ashford-Rumble Grade School I had to write a paragraph following the writing prompt: When I grow up I want to be ... a teacher. That has always been my dream. Many changes in education has occured both positive and negative. But, after 21 years of teaching, I am still passionate about education! However, I now have a new goal. I am very excited about becoming a principal. I know the title holds many responsibilites but I am up for the challenge. I anxiously await to fulufiil my "extended dream" in education: to be a principal!
After graduating with my teaching degree from Marshall University in 1991, I was offered a full time position at Ashland Oil in Public Relations. My mother was proud as she had worked for Ashland for several years. I would be making substantially more money than she was and it was highly unlikely that I would obtain a teaching job; the field was saturated with Social Studies teachers. I was shocked by the offer as I had not considered going to work for a Fortune Five Hundred Company. I had recently returned from a recruiting trip to Chicago with AOI’s #1 recruiter. While on the trip I kept thinking what am I doing here? This has nothing to do with teaching. I want to teach. When the offer was made I considered the possibilities of never teaching. Teaching was my career goal. My mother could not fathom me not accepting the offer. At the risk of offending the people who I had worked with at AOI for the four years in college, I declined the offer and applied to be a substitute teacher in Wayne County. My aspirations to teach were so real, no matter how long it took me I had to follow my heart and my heart was telling me to wait, something would surely open up. I was chasing long term sub jobs. I taught 4th grade remedial reading for a couple of months at East Lynn Elementary; then covered a maternity leave in Spanish for three months; both experiences were rewarding but neither had anything to do with Social Studies. I was told by the Personnel Director that he had never hired a Social Studies teacher. Social Studies jobs were filled by teachers in the county teaching other subjects. He suggested that I go back to school and pick up another certification. I went back to Marshall and received my masters in counseling in 1995. The personnel director was right – I went to work at Tolsia High School as a school counselor in the fall of 1995. I transferred to Ceredo-Kenova Middle School for four years then transferred to my current school, Spring Valley High School. I love working in the school system. Working with students is truly my life’s calling.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Rebecca McNeely. I began my career by attending the local community college. However, after only a year, I got married and began a family. Still, I felt like I had started something that I needed to finish. So, I returned to school and graduated from Marhall University. My first job was as a fifth grade teacher. I remember thinking I was lucky because my student teaching was in a fifth grade classroom and I was familiar with the curriculum. I had no plans of leaving the fifth grade until I started taking graduate classes in reading, mainly because the classes were held in our county and I would not need to travel very far. However, when I finished, I took a position as a Title I reading teacher where I thought I would retire. Eventually there was another twist in the road. A job as a Reading First coach became available. This job provided many opportunities for me to learn and grow as an educator. I worked in the coaching position for three years before beginning my current job working in the Title I Office as a Resource Coach and working on my masters in administration. I am not sure what changes will happen next but I am certainly enjoying the journey.
ReplyDeleteI am Dawn Keith and I currently teach in Boone County. I have always wanted to be a teacher and loved playing school as a child. When I got in high school I decided I wanted to work with troubled children and pursued my degree in psycology. After graduating I had no luck finding a job that paid anything unless I had a masters. I continued to work in retail management. After a great deal of thought and one more Christmas season I decided to go back to school and get my elem. ed degree. I began subbing as Option 4 and found real comfort was in special education classrooms. I was one of the very few subs that would work in BD classrooms. After finishing elem. ed I began my masters in sp. ed. I was hired after completing only 6 hrs. I have been teaching BD now for 7 years. I now have a masters+45 and I am certified in BD, LD, MI, and Autism. During the last few years I realized I still had a desire to lead. I actually loved being a manager in retail. I decided administration was for me and here I am. I only have 1 more class after this semester. I do not know when I will leave the classroom, but I do know I will still be in education.
ReplyDeleteI have been teaching for 11 years. I graduated Dec. 1998 and started teaching Jan. 1999. I taught severe and profound MI at the middle school level in Putnam County for one year and then I got married and moved to Morgantown. I was there for 3 1/2 years teaching special education (mild/moderate MI)at the elementary level. My husband and I moved back home and I started teaching resource and co-teaching 8th grade at Stonewall Jackson middle. I found that I really enjoyed middle school and became an active teacher leader at the school. I was always searching for leadership roles. After 4 years I applied to be a special education curriculum specialist. This role has given me an opportunity to help and work with teachers at a larger level. My next step will be some level of administration. I don't have a clear goal at this point. I love my job and I am currently very satisfied, but I will know when I am ready to have a broader influence.
ReplyDeleteMy journey began many years ago. I have always liked working people. I would help my teachers explain things to other students in the room when I was in high school. As a matter of fact, it was my high school math teacher that put the idea of being a teacher in my head. To be honest, the thought had not crossed my mind until that teacher put it there. I was very shy and timid around people, never wanting to be the center of attention. As matter in fact, my father laughed at me when I told him I wanted to be a teacher. I have been teaching for 15 years now at the same school, which happens to be my alumus school. I take great pride in the school and with my teaching. In recent years, my school has gone through several principals, some good while others were not so good. With all of the changes, I began thinking I would like to move up to that position; thus, leading me down the path of gaining my master degree in leadership studies. As with everyone, my goals are still fuzzy at this point in time. I love teaching and being around the students, but feel that I need to move on up the ladder to the administrative position.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Melissa Farmer. In 1994 I enrolled at Marshall in the Paralegal program. After completing three semesters and my internship I realized that I did not want to persue this as a career. I went to work at CAMC for a couple years before deciding to go back to school. In January 1997 I started my journey to become a teacher. I kept my job at the hospital for three days a week, went to classes two days a week, was the mom of a two year old, and communted 60 miles to work and school one way. Needless to say it has been a journey. After graduating from Marshall in 2001 I substituted for two years before getting a permanent position. I have been fortune to say that I have been at Hugh Dingess Elementary for six years. I taught third grade my first year, fourth grade the second year, and then I went to Pre-K where I have been ever since. I absolutely love what I do. I really look forward to making this journey to becoming an administrator. I am not certain where I will go or what I will do. I have alot of hopes and dreams and only hope to make some of those come true.
ReplyDeleteMy road to leadership began when I graduated from Logan High School in 2000. I then attended SWVCTC and received two associate degrees. I further went to University of Charleston to obtain my BA in Elementary Education and Special Education. Immediately upon graduation, I signed up for graduate classes a MUGC, under the program of Elementary Education with and emphasis in Middle Childhood. I started teaching when my graduate classes began in August, 2005. My first position was at Ralph R. Willis Vocational School as a special education teacher. Well, that lasted one day and I was transferred to Omar Elementary as a third grade teacher. I also taught there the next year as a first grade teacher. For the next three years, I have been at Verdunville Elementary as a special education teacher. I began taking more graduate classes in the spring of ’09 to obtain a reading certification. I will be finished with that certification this fall. I also decided to enroll in the leadership classes even though I am already taking two graduate classes. I have always wanted to be a principal in an elementary school or work in the central office. I am glad I am on the road to fulfilling my goals.
ReplyDeleteMy journey began at Fairmont State College in 1994 where I knew I want to be a teacher to influence young lives. My career path was influenced by several junior high and high school teachers who helped me through some difficult times and made me believe in myself. I graduated from WV State College in 1999 with a teaching degree and left for Greensboro, NC to teach Social Studies and coach. I returned to WV to teach at Nitro High School where I would meet my wife. I then transferred to St. Albans High School where I grew very tired and bored with our system. I left and sold prescription drugs and was on the road for two years--money was great and I was a success for my company. Life on the road caused me to miss some time at home, I returned to teaching at St. Albans High School in October of 2008. I am currently following my path to know be a principal. I am glad I am back to my calling.
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteIt's been a loooong semester and I regret that it's taken me so long to check in here. Well to cut to the chase...My name is Stephanie Toney-Clapham. I am a resident of Lincoln County but have taught Title I Reading in Logan since graduating from WVSC in 1993.
I obtained my master's degree in reading education from Marshall around May of 2003. During the Fall of 2008 I became an adjunct professor in the reading education program at Marshall. I must admit that teaching on the collegiate level has been a very rewarding experience.
I entered the leadership studies program in January 2009 and this is my final semester before finishing up the 18 hour certification program. Over the past semester I have completed the necessary steps to be certified as a principal. It's now only a matter of finishing up my course work this semester!! :)
I'm very interested in entering administration as a vice principal or principal. Hopefully, a vacancy will come about in my county within the next year. I'm also excited about the prospect of beginning my doctorate in leadership studies. I have an appointment in December to be interviewed for acceptance. Keep your fingers crossed for me! :)
All of the blogs were very interesting. I started my education career at 50. I did not like high school and had no thoughts of college. After I raised two children I decided (much later) that I would go to college. I earned my BA from Marshall. My Master's from Marshall and hopefully the principalship cert. What is next? I would like to go to Law school.
ReplyDeleteMy love for education began at a very early age. I was the child that after spending all day at school would come home and “play” school. I would pretend to be the teacher and my friends were my students. I would make up worksheets for them to work on, grade their papers, and roll play class time. My favorite subject in school was math, so it really was no surprise to anyone that knew me that I would pursue a bachelor’s degree in education with a specialization in mathematics. While in college, I also obtained an associate’s degree in business administration. I began my career as a long term substitute at my high school alma mater, a dream come true to be teaching at the place I loved going to during my teen years. After a year and half, I placed a bid at one of the feeder junior high schools, where I taught 7th and 9th grade math. I then met my soon to be husband and due to his work, we transferred to Wayne County, where I have been teaching math at Tolsia High School for the past 6 years. My interest in administration has led me to the Master’s of Leadership program at Marshall University where I am currently working on completing my first semester.
ReplyDeleteMy journey is fairly new, I am a recent graduate of Concord University where I played and coached baseball. I graduated with Social Studies and Special Education certifications and was fortunate enough to get a job right out of college. Im very excited about my journey in education and can't wait to see what the future holds!!
ReplyDeleteMy journey is at the begining. I decided I wanted to become a math teacher because I loved doing math problems I felt the need to help others. I tutored other students through most of high school. I graduated from Ohio University. Landed a job teaching high school math the following year. I don't know where the rest of my journey will lead but I'm having fun everyday. (Aaron Watson)
ReplyDeleteMy educational journey has been quite varied. I currently teach at Ceredo-Kenova Middle School in Wayne County, and I keep very busy balancing my career in education with an active family and many community activities. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in English/Social Studies Education (1990) and my Master’s Degree in Special Education (1996), both from Marshall University. I have taught for eighteen years, eleven in regular education and seven in special education. I have been lucky to teach in various locations in WV including Wayne County, Cabell County, Berkley County, as well as Alexandria City Schools in Virginia. My proudest professional accomplishment up until now has been receiving my National Board Certification in English Education in 2007. I am now excited to begin a new chapter in this journey as I look toward the possibilities in leadership and administration.
ReplyDeleteI have been all over the place with my journey. I started at the University of Tennessee and then I transfered to Marshall. I have had at least 6 different majors, played ball, and well just enjoyed myself. I finally settle in education. I have 2 masters degrees. I have never felt that I have fit into the proverbial box. I always taught using projects. I have always been involved in technology in someway, shape, or form. I moved out of the classroom and into the TIS position 5 years ago and I have really enjoyed the job. It is a different challange everyday. My philosophy is Constructivism. I think kids should learn be doing or making something. I recently found a great conference and a group of people that share much the same philosophy as I. I have also joined the social network of Twitter and set up a great Personal Learning Network. They are a great bunch of forward thinking people from all over the world. They share and tell you when you are off track. I have learned a great deal from them and hope to continue to learn even more. I am excited also about the journey to become and administrator. I hope I can carry out the vision I have for a school one day.
ReplyDeletesorry gigabyte is angie abbott
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for the delay in this blog. I thought it was completed last month, so this will be my third attempt.
ReplyDeleteMy journey has been marked along the way by various sideroads, namely marriage and children. I began my education degree in 1981 straight out of high school, however, I did not complete it until 2003. I immediately began my master's in Reading Education. I have worked as a Title I teacher, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th grade teacher. Last year I worked as a TIS at three schools. This year, I am working with Title II and staff development. I enjoy expanding my knowledge base.
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ReplyDeleteI moved to West Virginia in 2007 because my husband lives here. I am originally from Ohio and received my Bachelor's Degree from Kent State University. My first teaching position was at Stonewall Jackson Middle School in 2007 and I have been there ever since! Initially, I taught Reading, but my passion is teaching Mathematics. The next year my Reading position was cut, but a Math job opened up and I am now entering my third year of teaching as a 7th grade Math teacher. Currently, I want to be an Elementary School Administrator, but I'm still open to all levels at this point. I'm only 24, so I don't know if I will pursue an administrative position directly after finishing my Master's Degree. At this point, I am content as a teacher and wish to master this position before venturing to a new one!
ReplyDeleteHello to all! My journey has been a roller coaster ride. It has been a relativly short ride, but fun and sad at the same time. I am from Sissonville, WV. After graduating from Sissonville High School, I moved on to life at the greatest university known to man...Marshall University! I loved my undergraduate work in Huntington. I was inspired by many great professors to leave a legacy with our youth. As I began teaching, I immediatly made a connection with my classes. I teach somwhat unorthodox, because I like to have students engaged all the time so I do some things differently. Anyway, Once I graduated I began substituting and coaching football in Huntington. I loved my jobs! I even accepted an AP English class as a long term substitute. That's right not PE like my major, but AP. I loved it. It challenged me to become a better classroom manager and planner for my later positions as a Health teacher. Once my first som was born, my wife and I moved to Charleston where I accepted a fulltime job teaching at Charleston Catholic. I had a wonderful experience there with excellent administration. It was there I began feeling the urge to move into administration.After a year and a half stint at CCHS, I went the polar opposite route and went into Institutional Education. I teach students in juvenile detention settings. Oh yeah, I teach math and PE. See I have only taught for three years, but I have experienced the highest level of achievment to the lowest. In all of these settings, I have learned a new passion. I want to lead these students, staff, and others to be the best person they can be by loving them and enabling them to do great things. I feel God has blessed me with the gift of leading others, becasue I feel effective and most comfortable when I am in this role. Lastly, I have been blessed with an experience of leading people to learn and to pursue a relationship with Christ. I was given the opprtunity to teach English camps to Slovak students in Eastern Europe for a summer. I lead the camps, and developed the curriculum for the teachers and tutors. It was one of the most defining moments in my life, because in the small country of Slovakia God revealed to me that I was called to lead people! Thank you for the time, and sorry it was so long.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!
Chris Good
My teacher career brought me back to my roots. My first teaching job was at my old elementary school in Lincoln County. I taught Title I reading for half a year (Feb-June) then the school closed. My next teaching job was at my old high school, Guyan Valley. I taught mathematics there for six years then the school closed...anyone else seeing a pattern here...ha ha My next three years of teaching was teaching math at the new Lincoln County High School. Currently I am in my first year teaching middle school math at Hamlin PK-8. Likw previous people have stated, I like being in the classroom right now but who is to say in the future that administration will be my preference.
ReplyDeleteMy teaching career started 10years ago in Putnam county as a substitute. I have been in Putnam County for my entire career teaching Social Studies to High School students. I started to have an intrest in leadership studies about 4 years ago when I realized I would like to move from the classroom to the front office. I feel that my calling is to become a school administrator who can make decisions for the entire school and not just my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI greatly appreciate all the stories and experiences you have shared. I hope you have had time to read everyone else's--we learn a great deal from each other. (L. Watts)
ReplyDeleteMy journey in education started about 7 years ago as a special education teacher. I currently teach at the high school level in Putnam County. My goal in the profession is to be a principal at the high school level. It would probably be in my best interest to be a vice principal for quite sometime before being the head principal at a high school. I will start applying for jobs in the near future as they become open.
ReplyDeleteI can probably say that my educational journey looks more like a roller coaster. I started teaching in 1996 and taught in Kanawha county. I had just moved to West Virginia and made many new friends in my new schools. As many new teachers, I took the first job that was offered to me, and learned later that I was more not qualified than I thought. I had taken a special education job that had three severe students that were a huge eye opener for me. Those first few years I moved back and forth to two different schools and got exposure in title 1 reading, title 1 math, special education, sixth grade and finally landed at my home school where I taught 2nd grade for 4 years. I had my first child and took a leave of absence then came back for some time till I had my second child. At that point my plate was so full that I decided to stay at home with 2 small children. We then moved out of state and I began looking at the other side of education as now a parent. I was exposed to a new school system and new experiences. We then moved again and had another child. I always wanted to start my masters program, but seemed to be moving so much that there was not a great time to get that started. We then moved back to West Virginia where I now have all 3 kiddos in school and have decided that time will pass and wait for no one so I should get started if I planned on getting back into the work force. Due to personal changes in my life, I got back a little sooner than I had expected but am happy to have the little nudge. I was so fortunate to have worked for a fantastic principal that was more than happy to have me back and working for him. I feel like I have come full circle and come back to where I started in the state and in the school. All things happen for a reason and I am happy to have the opportunity to continue my journey as a teacher and administrator in the future. I truly love having a positive impact on children and being in a position to help them on their educational journey!!
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ReplyDeleteMy fault... trying to edit I removed the entire comment. Oh well, here goes again.
ReplyDeleteWhere have I been? Sounds like a question I often heard from my mother as a teenager. In this context the answer is much easier. I have worked with youth my entire adult life. My experiences have been in varied situations such as; youth camp counselor, YMCA Director of youth programs, coach, personal care attendant (Special needs) and teacher.
This year I am working as a Sp. Ed. teacher at Ripley Middle with an MI case load. The previous seven years I was the BD Specailist. I also coach football, basketball and am the AD for our school.
I made my mind up to persue a certification in the principal field because three principals that I worked closely with advised me that I should become an administrator. Also I feel that I work well with a varity of talents and personalities. I greatly enjoy working with students and seeing them do well! My focus as a principal will be the same... to see/help the students do well - academically, socially and behaviorally.
I enjoyed reading everyone's stories. I started teaching 24 years ago and am finally getting around to getting my masters. I am in awe of all the new technology that is available to us in the classrooms now, I see it as a very positive thing. I have a long way to go, but I enjoy learning!
ReplyDeleteIt's a cool evening.
ReplyDeleteMy journey started with my love of art. Throughout my schooling, I have always loved art and took a great deal of it in high school. By the end of high school, a series of events had discouraged me from pursuing art any further than as a personal hobby. I began attending Marshall University after high school and began taking the basic required marshall plan coursework. Along the way, I met my ex-wife who was pursuing a degree in social studies education. I decided to pursue a degree in art education because I thought it would be fun to teach what I once loved and the profession would allow for much family-time in the summer. I bid on and accepted the first job available teaching art once I graduated and have been teaching there for the past 5 years. I began taking additional graduate classes to fulfill my plus hours and decided to pursue my M.A. in Educational Leadership because I felt I would be able to make more of a difference in the school setting as some type of administrative figure rather than a specialist.
ReplyDeleteWell, my story isn’t as exciting. I decided to change my major at Glenville State from Marketing/Management to education. I loved helping my roommate with her homework! I started out helping her so we could “leave” the apartment faster… I started looking forward to Thursday nights for reasons other than the normal festivities. When I made the decision to change my major, I couldn’t help but think of one of my past teachers. She really knew the content, but had horrible people skills. She made me cry one day in class because she told me she hated me. She later changed her wording to he hated what I represented. I still do know what she meant by her comment. I decided I was going to be a teacher with encouraging words for each and every one of my students. So, I decided I would make the biggest difference in Special Education. I have been teaching special education for almost 10 years. I love my job…but not all the paperwork! With a degree in Special Education I decided to go into leadership studies to open more doors in my future. I look forward to the next chapter in my life…administration.
ReplyDeleteMy journey toward becoming an administrator has been a long one. I'm just talking about the actual coursework. When I talked to my advisor about registering for 660, he looked back through my coursework and sent a list of my classes toward this end. I was alarmed to discover my first class in leadership studies was taken in 1997. Since that time, I have had two more children, in addition to the two year old I had when I started this journey, I have earned a Master's Degree in Reading, and been involved in numerous activities for my kids. It has certainly been a long and arduous journey (11 years), but hopefully come May 2010, it will have all been worth it.
ReplyDeleteMy journey begins in 1996 with my undergraduate degree in Elem. Ed. and Special Ed. I received a job in my home county, Mason. I began teaching Special Ed. and stayed there for 4 years. After that I taught 5 grade for 9 years. I am currently at a new school where I am teaching 5th & 6th grade Reading. I am currently working on my certificate for leadership and a reading certificate.
ReplyDeleteChristal
ReplyDeleteMy journey in education began back in elementary school. I attended Lavalette Elementary from Kindergarten thru the7th grade. While in the 7th grade I met a teacher Mr. Earls and he had a great impact on my life. Not just academically, but as a human being. You see Mr. Earls found out when we were in the 7th grade that he had cancer. I developed great admiration for this man as a teacher and as a person. The greatest lessons I learned in his classroom were not from the textbook, but watching him everyday fight for his life. Mr. Earls demonstrated strength, perseverance, courage, faith, hope, love, and cared about each and every one of his students. He passed away one year later.
I attended Marshall University for four and a half years and graduated in the fall of 1990 with an undergraduate degree K-8 Elementary Education and a minor in Pre-K. As I substituted in the Wayne County System for seven years I taught everything that they called me out for. Special Education was an area that I was often called to teach in and that is where I accumulated the most long term teaching jobs. I started taking several Graduate classes at Marshall University in Special Education and some in Administration. I was asked to teach a Severe/Profound Class at Wayne Elementary and was hired by the Wayne County Board of Education. I began taking my Masters in Special Education through West Virginia University and I finished my masters in Special Education in the Fall of 1998. About five years later my class moved from Wayne Elementary School to Wayne Middle School and then I started teaching Sever/Profound/BD/Autism/MI/MO students. I received my certification in MI/Mo Pre-Adult at Marshall University in the Fall of 2003. I like 3 hours of being certified in Autism Pre-Adult. Next, I began Co-Teaching in the 6th grade and started working on my Principal Certification, my Second Masters Degree and a Doctors Degree in the Leadership Studies Program at Marshall University(the South Charleston campus) in the Fall of 2007. I must confess that I still have a great love for the classroom. The best part about the Leadership Studies Program is the law classes. I really enjoy this part and I hope to teach on a college level one day or be in a position where I can best be an advocate for our students.
My journey began in the spring of 2006. I graduated from West Virginia State University in May 2006. After graduating, I enrolled at Marshall University Graduate College where I completed my Master's degree in Special Education last May (2009). I am employed with Putnam County Schools and I currently teach fifth grade reading/language arts, I also spent a few years teaching at the middle school level. I have enjoyed my teaching journey thus far.
ReplyDeleteMy journey in education began in the fall of 2007. I accepted a job teaching 7th grade at Zebulon Middle School in Wake County. After teching in North Carolina two years, I got accepted into the Leadership Studies program the summer of 2009. Shortly after my move home, I accepted a teaching position at Capital High School. I enjoy this graduate program and look forward to continuing my masters degree. I really enjoy the public school atmosphere and couldn't imagine working in any other field.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Pat Atkins and my journey began in December 2006 when I graduated from West Virginia State University with a degree in Physical Education. I was lucky enough to find a full-time teaching position in my home county almost imediately following graduation. I taught for one year at Lincoln County High School before accepting my current teaching position at Duval PreK - 8 School. I have found teaching to be very enjoyable and rewarding.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading the comments here throughout the semester. My name is David Rutherford, and I currently teach social studies at Wahama High School in Mason County. I am in my 3rd year of teaching, and am currently in both the principal certificate program and the Ed.S/Ed.D program at Marshall. I have enjoyed the experience thus far, and look forward to gaining skills and experience (such as those gleaned from this course) in order to become a more effective educator.
ReplyDeleteAfter graduating from Marshall University in 2003, I began my teaching career at Sissonville High School in the fall of 2005. I began looking into graduate school in 2007 primarily as a means of increasing my total salary. I enrolled as a music major and began taking classes in Huntington. I soon realized that commuting to Huntington after a long day of rehearsal was not the best thing for me. I then switched my focus to leadership studies, an online program with class meetings in South Charleston, seemed more realistic with my busy schedule. I have enjoyed my experience thus far and look forward to finishing the program sometime in the next decade.
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