Beginning in the summer of 2005, I was under the gun, forced to complete the requirements for my teaching certification if I wanted to keep my job at a local high school. Once I had finished the initial steps, jumping through all of the hoops, I was expected to reapply every 2 years. The only hurdle I had to endure was a graduate level Methods course during the odd numbered years. Thus, I took 3 classes over 6 summers, where I needed to incorporate the principles of each subject into my current curriculum. Prior to submitting my final paper, I had to give an honest assessment of my strengths and weaknesses. This report served as a guide, fine tuning my classroom management skills as well as providing cutting edge ideas to assess students.
The occupation of teaching is unlike any job I have had before. There is an emotional connection with students, especially those whom you see traces of yourself in them. When you leave the property, you are still working, talking to parents at sporting events, calling back others about concerns or responding to emails about a question on an upcoming assignment. Instead of clocking in and out, teaching is non-stop for 9 months. However, in the summer your work is never done as classes change, curriculum needs to be updated and material is constantly in a state of flux. Despite being one of the most rewarding positions I have ever held, its by far the most draining, a perfect cure for those struggling to fall asleep.
Nonetheless, on October 31st, 2013, Halloween Night, my teaching certification will finally expire. Part of me hoped something would come up, opening a new door so I didn’t throw away 10 years of experience. However, the realist in me saw the writing on my financial wall, unable to support a family on a Private School’s teaching salary. If life is a set of stages, at the end of this month I will exit stage left like Bugs Bunny in an episode years ago, using my abilities in a new arena at Amazon. As for now, all I can do is apply the principles of Romans 12:1-2, expecting God’s will for my life to come into clear focus. Before time runs out on your current position or status, make sure you take a deep breath, reflecting upon the words of Philippians 3:8-9.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 