My Latest (and Possibly Greatest) Challenge Part 2

Hi again! Tammi Bowles here with part 2 of my very first blog. Here it is in case you missed it:

 http://hub.hindscc.edu/blog/bid/360775/My-Latest-and-Possibly-Greatest-Challenge

I have been thinking about what I was going to say for part 2 lately, and finally decided I wanted to talk about my reasons for wanting to teach. Everybody knows how important teachers are — that is no secret — but even more important are teachers who actually care. We all know that there are those teachers who just go through the motions and teach what needs to be taught, and then there are those who go the extra mile and really seem to care about the student.

I am still undecided about what age and/or subject I would like to teach, but lately I have been thinking a lot about the middle school or secondary level and how hard this age can be. My son just turned 14 and, although he has some wonderful teachers, it has not been the easiest time of his life (which I realize is normal.) I see him struggle with certain things that all teenagers have to struggle with and am thankful that he has some teachers and school counselors who understand and care.

Here is my son Colby (far left) with some of his eighth grade classmates this year.

According to www.slate.com, “Turnover at this level is higher than it is at both the elementary and high school levels, but the teachers who stick around tend to do so because they’re dedicated, determined, and maybe just a little bit crazy.” I guess if this statement doesn’t freak me out, then I am good to go!

I realize that some decide to become teachers just for the summers off, and I have to admit that is a perk! And some surely don’t become teachers for the pay… But for me, it is the only thing that I could get excited about when thinking about what kind of degree I wanted! (I currently am taking from one to three classes per semester at Hinds Community College.)