My Professional Journey

     My journey to becoming an English Language Arts teacher has been shaped by a lifelong love of literature and language, inspiring role models, and experiences that revealed the joy I felt teaching others.

     As a child, I developed an appreciation for books and the power of reading. At seven years old, I was reading for pleasure and earning free pizza. That is powerful to a first grader! On weekends, my mom and I visited libraries mostly throughout Savannah, and I eagerly anticipated each trip. I especially enjoyed Bull Street Library, a mecca of books in a three-story castle. I remember believing that every child loved books as much as I did. Walking through the stacks, discovering new stories, and checking out books became some of my favorite childhood memories. Those experiences fostered a lifelong love of reading that continues to influence both my personal life and my teaching.

     My fascination with language extended beyond reading. I loved grammar because it gave structure and clarity to communication, and writing became a natural way for me to express my thoughts. During the challenges of eighth grade, poetry became an important creative outlet. Through writing poems, I found a way to process emotions, make sense of difficult experiences, and discover the power of my own voice. That experience taught me that writing is much more than an academic skill—it can be a source of healing and self-discovery. It is a lesson I carry into my classroom as I encourage students to find confidence in their own writing.

     My earliest experiences as a teacher began long before I entered a classroom professionally. My mother is a retired educator, and I spent countless hours in her classroom after school and during breaks. While she prepared lessons or graded papers, I entertained myself by pretending to teach my own class. I would stand at the front of the room, imitate my teachers' lessons, call on imaginary students, and even practice the same classroom management and discipline strategies I had observed from my teachers, both good and bad as defined by my younger self. On the best days when other kids were available, I enjoyed inviting them to play school. Of course, I assumed the role of the teacher delivering instruction, asking questions, and reading books. Looking back, I realize these experiences reflected a natural desire to teach, encourage, and help others learn new things.

I also spent time watching my mother interact with her students. Observing her invest time in her students showed me that teaching was much more than delivering lessons-it was about compassion, love, patience, and relationships.  Her example demonstrated a strong work ethic and the mindset that all students deserve someone who believes in them. Watching my mother dedicate her life to education profoundly influenced me.

     Although teaching would eventually become my career, it was not my original plan. When I entered college, I did not intend to become a teacher. Instead, I chose to major in English because reading and writing had always been my greatest passions. While attending the College of Coastal Georgia, I became a member of the Seaswells literary staff, helping publish creative works written by fellow students. I also contributed my own writing to the publication. In my last semester at CCGA, I worked as a writing coach. Those experiences strengthened my appreciation for literature, the writing process, and the importance of giving writers an authentic audience. They deepened my understanding that stories have the power to connect people, preserve experiences, and inspire change.

     After college, my career path led me into retail management rather than education. As a manager, I developed valuable leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills while supervising teams and working with people from diverse backgrounds. I learned how to motivate others, resolve conflicts, adapt to unexpected challenges, and build positive relationships. Although I appreciated the professional growth that time provided, I knew I had to move on. I wanted work that allowed me to make a lasting difference in the lives of others while incorporating my love for reading and writing.

     That realization prompted my transition into education as a paraprofessional. Working alongside teachers and supporting students each day was exhilarating. I found tremendous fulfillment in helping students overcome challenges and encouraging them to believe in their abilities. Those experiences strengthened my desire to become a certified teacher. After my second school term as a paraprofessional, I followed the necessary steps to qualify me to move from paraprofessional to teacher. 

     My first teaching position was as an eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher, where I had the opportunity to help students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills during an important stage of their development. Having experienced firsthand how literature and poetry provided comfort and confidence during my own middle school years, I was especially passionate about helping students discover the ways reading and writing could empower them. After three years of teaching middle school, I decided to expand my experiences.

     This year, I will teach high school English Language Arts, where I will have the privilege of preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong learning. I strive to cultivate a classroom where students feel seen, challenged, and encouraged to think deeply about literature while finding their own voices as writers. My goal is not only to teach reading, writing, and grammar but also to help students recognize that language gives us the ability to understand ourselves, connect with others, and shape the world around us.

     Looking back, I can now see that every chapter of my life prepared me for this profession. The little girl who eagerly visited libraries across Savannah, found solace in poetry, pretended to teach in her mother's classroom, and believed everyone loved books eventually discovered that teaching was where all those passions came together. I am honored to be a teacher and will continue to inspire the next generation of readers, writers, and learners.