When I was in fifth grade, the parent of a friend of mine tried to discourage me from my dream of becoming a teacher, telling me I would work too hard and get paid too little. She was probably right, but she didn’t change my mind. In fact, her warning just strengthened my resolve to teach – and I’ve never regretted it.
I’m now starting my ninth year in education teaching fifth-graders. There is so much I enjoy about teaching. One of the best things is seeing how my students make connections in my classroom—which was something that was so valuable to me as a student and continues to be today.
I was lucky to have teachers who made me feel welcome, educators that created a community in their classroom where bonds were made, and everyone felt safe and respected.
I found myself in my third year, with my third principal and third set of changing team members in a county with very limited new teacher mentor programs and support. Like many new teachers, I was frustrated and burnt out. I was co-team leader, coach for a STEM competition, and a math team coach. I filled all my time with school but just felt exhausted with no real community.
Then a colleague and I heard about an Early Career Educator conference sponsored by the Maryland State Education Association—and we went on a whim. It was amazing. I finally found the community I was looking for.
We talked all day with teachers in the same circumstances with the same struggles—and we came up with some strategies to solve common problems. I left feeling I was not alone, and I wanted to continue to have those opportunities and create them for colleagues.
Since that time, I’ve been active in ECE groups at the state and national level for my own benefit—but also to bring in more educators and offer them the support and connections that I have found.
Clearly, I was right to dismiss the comments of that parent. I found fulfillment in this career and, within that career, a community in my classrooms, my school, and my profession.
