Miriam's Classroom
I began my teaching career in 1989, after graduation from the University of Georgia. I was not your typical first year teacher- I was 32 years old, and had gone back to college to become a teacher after working in another field for about 8 years.
I had always wanted to be a teacher, but had somehow put that dream on the back burner. At age 28, I enrolled in college, working 2 jobs to put myself through. When I graduated, it was one of the best days of my life!
My first year teaching was wonderful; I had an inquisitive group of fourth graders that kept me busy and challenged. My subsequent years of teaching were in grades ranging from Kindergarten to Fourth grades. When people would ask me which grade I preferred teaching, I always said, “The grade I'm teaching now". It was hard to pick a favorite! The innocence of Kindergarteners to the questioning of Fourth graders- it all provides a challenge to me as an educator.
In 1995, our family moved to Florida, where I taught Kindergarten for five years. I moved up to First grade after that, and am still teaching on that grade level. I have taught in both the public and private school systems; I have taught children that are on free breakfast and lunch plans, as well as children whose parents drive Rolls Royce's and vacation in Aspen. I have learned from these children and their families that people are basically much the same. They want the best for their children, and they rely heavily on teachers to guide and nurture their precious ones.
After almost 20 years of teaching, I know that growing and continued learning is crucial to being effective in the classroom. I am humbled by the opportunity to make even a small difference in the lives of children.