Mama Always Said I Should Be A Teacher

When I was growing up, Mama always said I should be a teacher. However, I didn't think teaching was for me because I wanted to make a lot of money (and we know teachers don't make a lot of money). So when it came time for college I enrolled in the business program and found an office administration job. It took a few years before I would finally admit that maybe Mama was right and I should be a teacher.

All these years later I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration degree, both with a major in Management. I also hold a Texas Teaching Certification in Secondary Composite Business. I've taught everything from middle school technology classes to university level business courses, from Children's Church to the Young-at-Heart (elderly) Sunday School. I've integrated curriculum for 8th grade Careers and Technology courses. I've written and taught a Bible study on the books of I, II & III John. I've lead teacher training sessions and Biblical financial courses. (This list could go on and on, but y'all get the picture.)

We are barely into the new year and I am busy putting those teaching skills to work in several areas:

(1) I will be teaching this spring semester at a local private Christian school. Yes, you read that right. . . I got a job! It all happened so fast that I can hardly believe it myself, but Monday morning bright and early I'll be standing in front of a class of 8th graders teaching Basic Computer Applications. I'll teach three classes, then later in the day I'll teach a high school class on Personal Finance. It's been a busy week here as I've prepared syllabi and lesson plans.

(2) Once again I'll be coaching in Stacy Julian's Finding Photo Freedom workshop that starts on February 7 at Big Picture Classes. This 10-week class walks participants step-by-step through the process of setting up a Library of Memories system (photo organization, digital workflow, inspirational scrapbooking). As one of the coaches, I answer questions on the message boards, contribute to an classroom blog, and share how my system helps me stay organized and scrap when inspired.

(3) Y'all might remember the ladies' retreat that I wrote and presented back in the fall. Well, another local church has asked me to be the guest speaker at their ladies' retreat, presenting those same materials. So, in a couple of weeks, I'll be presenting that material at a one-day retreat. I am so excited (and humbled) at how God is using me to bring this message to ladies in our community. The retreat focuses on the fact that God calls us all to serve with sessions on how God calls us, how He equips us for that calling, what our spiritual gifts are, and whether or not we are willing to answer His call.

(4) And, of course, I continue to monitor the Library of Memories Community classroom, answering questions and sharing ideas with others who use the Library of Memories system.

As you can see from this list, my schedule will be pretty busy for awhile, particularly as I adjust to working outside the home three days a week. However, I am excited about all these opportunities to use my teaching skills in such a variety of ways! Mama was definitely right - I love being a teacher!