Day 2 My Teaching Journey

“Ever since I was little I wanted to be a teacher.” How many times have we heard that?   But it is true.  As far as I can remember my favorite thing to do was play school and read.  Unfortunately, we are sometimes influenced by others and make decisions based on well-intentioned family opinions, fears, insecurities or just plain chance.  I am not blaming or making excuses. I would not change my experiences both good or bad for anything. They have made me who I am today.  I was the first and only of my family, seven siblings including me, to go to college.  Teaching just didn't’t seem like the best career to make a good living at. So I got my Bachelor’s in Business Administration/ IDS (Information Decision Sciences) What I was going to do with that I wasn't really sure, not as cut and dry as teaching degree.

I was fortunate to have great jobs in Business Credit Management, Office Management, and Regional Training.  Notice I said jobs not career.  In all of theses companies and roles, I ended up doing some kind of training, teaching or mentoring.  I tried to find fulfillment through church since my jobs weren't helping me make that difference I longed to make. After a series of Unfortunate Events, including: quitting my job, death of a parent, and divorce…I ended up at a cross roads.

I had three young children and needed  a ”job” where I could still be available and involved with my kids.  A friend suggested I sub for District 100 , since they were in need of Spanish speaking subs. Thus I found my true calling and career.  After Subbing for 6 months or so, I applied for summer school where I met Marilyn McManus and was hired for a full time position WITHOUT A TEACHING DEGREE!!! ( Transitional Type 29 Certificate) I started teaching 2 half-day sessions kindergarten in 2002.

I went back to school for my masters at Dominican  University while teaching full-time and raising three amazing children.  Yes, I am “still” teaching Kindergarten.  No, not because I keep flunking. I LOVE IT!  I have also taught half day Bilingual Kindergarten at Irving School three years, been the bilingual reading support for 1st & 2nd grade, but am back in all day Bilingual Kindergarten at Hiawatha for my 13th year.
 

I love happy endings, so I will share mine with you.  I remarried my husband several years back.  I can’t help but think it was just a necessary detour to bring me to my childhood dream of being a teacher!  I believe my experiences have helped me be a good friend, mentor and colleague, which I have tried to do up to now  and hope to continue to do even more so now through my blog.

(Side NOTE: for you non-Bilingual folk, Mexicans talk in circles, so I apologize if my story is not in nice linear fashion, I write how I talk.  This is one more thing I’d like to include as I blog – insight into the bilingual mind. Hope it helps.)