It is wonderful to reflect upon all of the marvelous educators, students and families I have had the opportunity to work with during my career in education. Little did I realize that beginning as a special education teacher in a 4th – 6th grade building in Carbondale, IL would form such a solid foundation for what would be in my future. It lead to a deep understanding of why some children struggle with learning and how to reach out for resources that would help them. I followed these four years with spending the next five at home raising my first two sons. I am so thankful that I was able to be with them each day during their early years. Ah, but life does occasionally toss a curve ball and I suddenly needed to return to teaching. Just  after Christmas, I contacted the principal I had worked with previously. “Boots” Gaylin Fligor was so encouraging and asked me to fill in for a sixth grade teacher who was leaving mid-year. This opportunity left a life-time impression and provided me with a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by educators who step into the shoes of another during the year.

The next fall I began working in Johnston City, IL for the Marion School District in a self-contained, special education classroom with seventh and eighth grade students. Carmen Savant, a seasoned paraprofessional, and Candice Potts, another teacher, were always there being tremendously supportive. It was during this time I realized I wanted to work in special education administration and began my Master’s degree at Southern Illinois University. Two very active small children, a husband working on his Master’s degree in Social Work, a full-time teaching job and returning to school – this is when my life went from being busy into a whirlwind!

My passion for education, continued learning, children and educators prompted me to begin blogging. Earlier this week, I participated in a Twitter chat group where the topic was blogging. I was encouraged by the conversation but procrastinated for a few days until my husband’s thoughtful questioning about beginning this blog pushed me to begin. Another person, who also was in the chat, posted her initial blog and that was all of the motivation I needed. Yes, we all get by with a little help from our friends.

I began my journey into education as a young child who played school rather than dolls. When I needed something motivational during my high school years, I began volunteering in a classroom each afternoon. Gaining a joint degree in elementary and special education meant beginning college internships in classrooms during my sophomore year. A month after graduating, in December, I was fortunate to be asked to substitute in my cooperating teacher’s classroom during her maternity leave. When the following school year began, this cooperating teacher and I shared a classroom divided into three sections with a Chapter 1 (later referred to as Title 1) teacher. What a marvelous mentor! Monica Phillippe is definitely one of the most influential educators who shaped my beginning years. Fast forward thirty-nine years and my passion for education has evolved but remains just as strong. I look forward to continuing this blog and sharing my thoughts about almost four decades in education. Yes, life is a dance and we learn as we go ….

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