My Teaching Story

Thanks Janaye for this unique linky party! It is always a good thing to remember where you came from- no matter how good or bad, big or small. Please link up and share your story!

We all come to the classroom with a story.

Some are similar to others while some are very distinctive.

What’s YOUR teacher story? How did you get to the classroom?

Has it always been a lifelong dream or did you come after being in another profession?

My Story…

As a child I enjoyed school. I tried my best and behaved well (besides the excessive talking in class). I admired my teachers, especially the pretty ones. 🙂 At home, I would dress up in my mom’s “cheaters” (thigh high pantie hoes) and  high heels to play “school” with my imaginary students. Sometimes I even coerced my mom and dad to be my students- my dad was the worst student EVER (such a flirt with my mom!)
In fourth grade is when the *moment* happened. I attended a private K-8 catholic school in Danville, California called St. Isidore School. My teacher, Miss Lofy, made learning fun. She was beautiful, fun, and an excellent teacher. I wanted to be just like her. From that year on, I dreamed about my chance as an adult to finally become a teacher.
At the age of 22, I landed my first teaching job at Pinewood Elementary in Charlotte, North Carolina teaching third grade. I remained in third grade for three years. At that time, a new principal had come into the building and saw my behavior management best suited for the wild and crazy fifth graders. Well, that did not go over well (for me),and I soon returned to my comfort zone a year later…yes, much coercing again. I taught second grade for a year and fell back in love with teaching. I forgot what it was like to not have a “test” hanging over my head at the end of the year. I had so much fun with my kids- raising butterflies and frogs, extending lessons because they were “hooked,” and soaking up each moment in a class full of bright eyed students with their whole future in front of them. Something about the second and third grade years….they are not babies, but are ready for you to allow them to stretch their wings and fly. They have not been turned off by school and live to earn a gold star! This is my home.
I now am teaching third grade at a new school, Berewick Elementary (Follow us on Twitter (@berewickelem) & on Facebook (Berewick Elementary School Official)!). After 5 years I was ready to try teaching a different population of students. I really enjoy the change in parental support and strong background knowledge students carry into the classroom. I am fortunate to have this journey. I am teaching third again this year (surprised, right?) and cannot wait for the blessings to unfold!
To all the future teachers out there… *DREAM BIG!* Whatever you wish for, it can be reality if you work hard and set your mind to it. I love nothing more than to watch my students grow, but even better to watch a teacher hone her craft and become the most inspiring individual in a child’s life. GO BE GREAT!!

So, what’s your story?

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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