I Always Knew I Wanted to be a Teacher

The word “teacher” doesn’t describe just those professionals who work in America’s public and private schools, but the term also includes those people who serve any sort of positive influence and direction in someone’s life. Parents, older siblings, ministers, coaches, friends, etc.,

“The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action.” (Herbert Spencer, English philosopher)

In pre-school I gave “reading lessons” to Big Bird, Elmo, Strawberry Shortcake, and several Popples, even though I couldn’t read; I had just memorized my story book tapes.

In second grade, I told my parents I was going to be a 2nd grade teacher and change my name to Joann Dick. My second grade teacher’s name was Joann Dick.

In sixth grade I tutored in the learning support classroom instead of going out to recess.

In high school I was a teacher’s aide, grading tests and homework, and creating lesson plans, or setting up labs and in-class activities.

In college I volunteered in a tutoring program at State College High School and interned in the Learning support department at Mt. Nittany Middle School, where my father taught 8th grade science for 35 years.

I guess I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, even when I didn’t want to admit it. I wanted to be someone different from who my parents were despite the fact that they love what they do.

When I finally admitted it to myself, I already had three years of college under my belt focusing on everything from Psychology to Animal Science and Business Management. I immediately made an appointment with an English advisor. I gave myself four semesters to get the degree and get out of school. To ensure that I was well prepared and qualified for teaching English at the secondary level, I chose to major in English and enroll in the intensive study of Education at the graduate level.