Career News

I consider this blog my journal and today is worthy of a post. A career milestone happened today that is such a high honor and I don't want to ever forget the details.

I was named Teacher of the Year at my school.

I am completely in shock that I get to represent my school which is full of the most amazing teachers ever. A little celebration was held after school for the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. I consider myself a very outgoing person but when all eyes are on me, I get really shy. It was and will continue to be a humbling experience for the year ahead.

Mr. Finch received Support Staff Member of the Year

Me with the current Teacher of the Year, Ms. Wiggins

I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. When I got my first real job in 2009 I was thrown into a crazy situation. I'll spare all the details but I almost quit teaching for good.

Instead I found myself in graduate school getting my MLS degree in public and school libraries. Right before I graduated, I got a job as an elementary school media specialist. I was more than ready to step into this new career with full force which still included teaching. My first year was hard. Looking back I clearly see why. I cared so much. I know that may sound like a great thing but I was also neglecting my own health because I cared so much. If a lesson plan went sour, I stayed super late to make it perfect. I would lay awake at night worrying about my students and trying to figure out all the best methods for success with them.

None of that is bad and I still do that every now and then but I eventually learned how to balance the demands of teaching differently. Mostly I learned to just take some pressure off myself. Things are going to go wrong and that is okay. It is how I react that matters. I've learned that every child needs encouragement and love above all else. If I ever lose the desire to care, encourage or love, then I will know something is very wrong.

Now…just for fun here is a little backstory leading up to today.

I actually found out a few weeks ago that I was nominated and this is the (blurry) picture I sent Todd after school that day.

That is my "isn't this news crazy yet awesome" face. I was just so honored to be nominated. Complete shock. That night we went out to celebrate by getting milkshakes.  

This man y'all…he has been with me through all my teaching ups and downs. So thankful I've had him beside me to help in so many ways. Thanks babe!

-Sara

Be Jesus with Skin On

I teach approximately 700 students each week in a public school. Since I can't openly share my faith in Christ, I often pray that the students just see something different in me. Every hug, smile, encouragement and high-five that I give is freely given out of my love for Christ. It's not about me. This job isn't just a job. It's my own calling and mission field. It's about taking seriously what He has given me.

Today, a student handed me the sweetest note…

Just by my actions, she felt a connection of a higher calling within us both. I was humbled. I was moved. I felt Jesus in that exact moment. I cried joyful tears. But more than that it was a beautiful reminder to myself "to be Jesus with skin on." 

Hope this encourages you wherever you are or whatever you are doing with what has been given to you. Everything you do does not go unnoticed. God sees it all. And others do too. And sometimes the two collide and both tell you in a special way.

Be faithful in all you do.

-S