Still Educating: From the Classroom to the Boardroom

Hi, and welcome to my new blog! I’m so thankful you’ve decided to join me along this journey as I document my life after the classroom as well as provide other useful information regarding education. I want to start by sharing how I got here - from being a young teacher in my twenties to continuing my journey through retirement.

After graduating with a BA degree in English during the summer session, I had no idea what to do next. The one thing I had not planned to do was to teach. I had the opportunity on my Christmas breaks to serve as a substitute teacher and during summer school before graduating. Believe me, it was nothing like growing up as a kid playing “teacher” in the summer with other kids my age or a little younger! However, after searching for a while, I gave in and applied for a teacher position. Really, it happened after being coerced by some former teachers already in the public school system that had a great influence on my life coming up.

I realized it would be a good thing for me to start my career in the classroom! A teacher was a proper profession with a decent salary and other benefits. Gee, it was not easy getting hired! I had taken some educational courses during my latter days at Paine College, but not enough for certification and that made it hard for others to believe me. Therefore, after being hired I had to return to school, complete my requirements, and take the teacher certification test as it was called during that time. And yes, I did this while still teaching during the day. I was thankful for all of the support from my family and many others.

However, after retiring there is only so much housework, yard work, and shopping a person like me could do. Another career move I was not contemplating. Of course, I got antsy and started trying to figure what would be my next move. As I was walking through the house one day, I asked God what would He have me to do with all of the skills I have been given, a lot more determination and perseverance. Now let me tell you when you ask God for something, just get prepared for an answer that will absolutely change your life. Get ready! Be Ready! Because God will be God and do exactly what God does when He is not finished shaping and molding you and your assignment is not quite completed yet.

This is how my journey continued from the classroom to the school board room. It was my new assignment. This is where you see the big picture. No more hands-on with the students or being a supervisor of teachers, a team leader, or a mentor to new teachers.

The job as a school board member becomes very complex - you must be willing to listen and work with others and be an adept and active problem solver. This is where one has an actual say in the daily operations of a school district. I have found it to not be easy. One must stay up-to-date on current issues and be able to understand educational jargon. Again you will have to be a good listener, not only to parents but other community members - a task that I felt called to take on.

So you see, my life’s purpose has always been to teach, focus on education, and help my community of students and their parents. I look forward to seeing where God leads me next. You’ll have front row seats on this journey with me!

-JP