Opening for a Construction Teacher

If you know anyone looking for a job teaching construction, we have an opening in Social Circle. All interested parties should contact Tony Overstreet at 770-464-2611 or toverstreet@scboe.org for more information and an interview.

Instructions for Applying for Certificate T&I and HSTE Approved Program

When you complete the approved T&I or HSTE certification program at GSU, following are instructions for applying for your certificate. Certification is your responsibility. Timeliness is critical.

There are three forms you must fill out: the Georgia PSC Application, the Approved Program Recommendation Form, and the Employer Assurance Form (if you are employed by a Georgia public school system). Please completely fill out all sections of the Application and Employer Assurance Form.

The Approved Program Recommendation Form must be submitted to the Office of Academic Assistance in the College of Education (3 rd floor) so that it can be signed, verifying that you have completed all requirements for certification. The computer competency requirement is embedded in the program at GSU, and that box is “checked off” for you at GSU. Also, a copy of your passing GACE 1 (or Praxis I ) results or exemption scores, and your course completion form for the Exceptional Child course should be attached to your recommendation form. GSU cannot depend on the PSC Website, and therefore requires you to submit this information. Once your form and other information is received and it is verified that you have completed all requirements for certification, the form will be signed and returned to you. This way, you may include it with your Application and Employer Assurance Form when you give everything to your system office. From there, your county personnel director will sign the Employer Assurance form and submit the packet to the PSC. You will need to include a transcript verifying your completion of coursework with your packet! You can request your transcript on line from GSU by logging in to GoSolar. If you are employed with a school system it is a good idea to turn all of your certification paperwork in to them rather than sending it straight to the PSC. First, it allows your system to verify that you have completed all of your course requirements so that any pay raise may automatically go into effect. Second, your system may pay the $20 fee for a new certificate for you. Please know that you may contact the Office of Academic Assistance if you have any questions about the application. Be sure to let them know that you are in Dr. Burn’s program so they can best assist you., or please contact Dr. Janet Burns at jburns@gsu.edu if you need further assistance.

Forms for Certification

Jessie and Dr. Burns,
Where do we get the Georgia PSC Application, the Approved Program Recommendation Form, and the Eployer Assurance Form? From our HR Department?

Thanks!
Connie

SkillsUSA

I have just returned from Skills. and to and to our surprise we will be taking 30 students to NATIONAL in June . The students surprised all the teachers, every teacher that sent students won a first place. Last year we won one third place this year we are expecting to improve on that. Standby for the result.

New Beginnings

I really hate for things to end and the word "Goodbye" is like a curse word to me. I apologize to those of you who I did not get to talk to after class was over Saturday. I was very emotional and didn't want ya'll to see it!

This has, by far, been the most interesting, useful class I have ever had to take. Thank you to everyone for making it what it was. There will never be another class like ours!

I just came out of a faculty meeting where we learned that we made AYP again! I'm so excited...our BOE feeds us steak each year we make it. It's a great incentive! Not only that, our Science scores went from a 77% last year to a 92% this year!! We were celebrating of course!

On a different note, based on the fact that we had so many seniors failing the GHSGT and they have now passed, our principal gave us these "words of wisdom". I quote "If the student worked as hard as they did to pass the GHSGT, I expect you to make passing your class happen." What do ya'll think of that? Personally, I am a bit taken aback. I don't think I'll be "making it happen" just because someone says so!

I hope you all enjoy your teaching careers and keep in touch! I can found in a map dot in Social Circle GA during school hours and at home in Covington otherwise. Enjoy your time away from class and catch up on all the friends and family you have missed out on. I know I am going to! :)

Goodbye, Farewell, Alvita zane?

(Extreme and totally uncontrolled sobbing)
Ed kind of brought(sniff) things to reality this past Saturday(sniffle, sob) when he said "After today, chances are, we will never see each other again"! (even more extreme uncontrolled sobbing and whaling) I love you guys! (sob, sniff, sob) Wouldn't it be cool if somewhere, somehow we would find ourselves all teaching at the same school! (a little sniff) The "Dream Team"! The "Magnificent 25 or 30 or so"! (a little less sniffing) A "Band of brothers.....and sisters"! Maybe if we concentrate real hard it will happen! (jumping up and down) Let's try! (closing eyes) OK ready, 1, 2, 3, ..................

KEEP IN TOUCH

Please enclose your school's e-mail address and/or number

jajuanw@clayton.k12.ga.us

Hey I am thinking about looking into a Master's program..if anyone would like to partner up let me know.....I did say I was "THINKING"..hahaha respond fast before I come to my senses....I will never get the "perpetual student award"...LOL
or if anyone knows of a nice program to look into, then please let me know!!!!

Holla at me
JaJuan
..AKA "MUGSHOT"

*place info in the reply of this blog

P.S. Big shout out to Dr. Burns and Ms. Hayden...thanks for making it fun and informative and thank you for your flexibility when dealing with your students!!!!

Week of March 31

Sorry Class, but I have been very sick and physically unable to sit up to post to the blog. However; reflecting on this week I must say that there is some truth to the saying that "You Start to Break Down at 40". Well, I turned 40 on March 31 and my engine literally shut down. I got sick on my birthday, and that has been the sickess I hae ever been in my life.

I hope the engine starts to rebuild itself as I get older, because WOW, I may need to warn others about turning 40. LOL But I feel better now and I must say, I am thankful.

Toni

Saturday Class

I just want to say it has been an honor and pleasure to meet every one in our class. This year has been hard and fun at the same time. I will miss all of you and I pray that God will bless all of you. Thank you for this experience. I especially want to thank Jessie and Dr. Burns for this experience. I am looking forward to the future with my new skills and I hope to improve everyday. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer and gets some rest. I think we deserve the break. Good luck in the future. Your friend, Tracy

Last NTI class

I had to miss today's class but NTI has been a "WONDERFUL" learning experience . The sleepless nights burning the midnight oil have been worth it. Dr.Burns and Jessie you all are "AWESOME". I regret the future NTI classes ( other than this summer ), possibly will not get a chance to share what our class has. Good luck to all and enjoy the count down to summer break. Take care and God Bless.

Ya'll take care

I hate to miss the last NTI class but it looks like I will. My wife had to have surgery on Thursday and I'm lying up here in the hospital room with her. It has been a good class and I have met many new friends along the way. Stay in touch and if any of ya'll are ever in Lafayette stop by. Have a good class session tomorrow. See ya, and remember summer break is never more than two semesters away!!!!!!!!

Perry

Thank you!

Thank you everyone for your help and support, but most of all for your friendship. This has been a hard year in a lot of ways, but it has been a wonderful year too.

Thank you Dr. Burns and Jessie for everything! I feel so blessed to have been in this class under your leadership. Good luck and the best to you both always!

It's almost done !!!!

It is hard to believe that NTI is almost over. I'm so thankful for all of you and especially Dr. Burns and Jessie. Without all of you I would not of had such a great first year. Separation anxiety is something that I am beginning to experience. It has been nice reading all the blogs and getting advice on being a first year teacher. The one thing that has become apparent to me, is the more I learn the less I know. Hopefully we can continue to keep the lines of communication open through blogging. All of you are my security blanket, not ready to give it up yet. See all of you Saturday.

Open Mic/ Merlot Blogging

Pleas ignore prior attempt to blog. Apparently, this large glass of merlot has gone to my head. However, it has not gotten in the way of blogging. Is everyone ready for this year to be over? As I read fresh posts, it becomes apparent that we are worn out. That is a good thing. It means we are truly concerned about the students and the job we do. I know a few instructors who appear as fresh as daisies at this time of year; it has become apparent that a couple of their programs are a joke. For all of my classmates who are "doing it right", I say "Salud!"
joec

Open Mic/ Merlot Blogging

Perkins module: Who's my partner?

I can't remember who my partner is! This is Dwayne Connors calling for help! As I started to do my module I realized that either I don't have a partner or I forgot who mine is! Help! Please send me a word!

Open Mic

After reading the blogs, I see everyone is winding down. That goes for me as well. I can't wait to see everyone on Saturday. I am sure it will be bittersweet. This has been a great year and I have learned so much from everyone. I hope that we all keep in touch and continue to encourage each another. I just want to thank everyone, especially Dr. Burns and Jessie for sharing their knowledge with me. I truly think I am a better teacher thanks to them. See you all Saturday.

Transition

Time for a transition. This is exciting stuff because of the wonder of it all. What is waiting for me a few more months down the road? God has directed me here so it's gotta be good! I'm excited! I signed a pre-contract with Harris County to teach construction at the high school. This is the last stop for me. As many or all of you know, I am in the process of building a new house in Pine Mountain, which is coming along great. I intended to drive the 80 mile round trip each day to Columbus. My wife and I figured it was a sacrifice we could live with if it meant being able to live on the mountain. But then God opened this door at Harris county, 22 mile round trip. NTI was a major factor in getting the job. Generally, as I have been hearing, any teacher who has gone or is going through NTI, is almost a shoe in. I'm blessed to have been a student at NTI. Dr. B and Jess, you guys (girls) make NTI more than just another course. You have really put your hearts into it and that makes all the difference. Thank you!

Thanks to all of you...WE DID IT....

Good Evening NTI Family:
I am truly going to miss all of you and hope that we'll continue to blog each other. It is amazing that we can share our views and vent about lifes' disappointments and the journeys that we must go through, all of which are lessons to make us stronger and build character. Speaking of journeys, I'm still on one to find a job. Since I know time is ticking away and hiring is currently in progress, please remember me if you hear of any jobs in Video Broadcast or Business Ed at your school. I'm really tired of being a Stellar sub and would like to know where I'll be working next year. However I will continue pursuing my education in the Fall and begin working on my Masters program. I believe I'll do an online program through Walden which I won't have to take the GRE to get in. I am not a good test taker.

On another note, I just want to say "thanks" to everyone for a great class. The experiences we've shared will never be forgotten. As always, I want to "THANK" Ms. Hayden and Dr. B for their professionalism, great teaching expertise, and all that they have instilled in me. I'm glad that I was able to complete NTI and gain the knowledge to succed as a teacher. I especially liked that personality test we took this summer. You ladies are AWESOME and I feel priviledged to have been under your guidance and direction. May your next journey in life be peaceful and rewarding. Looking forward to a relaxing summer...

Never Give Up!
Victoria

We're all short timers now

Well as we come to the close of N.T.I,I think we have all benefitted a great deal from our instructors and our fellow students.I remember when we first started and everyone was apprehensive about making their speeches and worse yet
Dr. burns said we would have to video tape one of them .But they always made us feel comfortable in doing them.And to all of you fellow students,I for one really appreciate the way that you would all offer support and and act like you were interested in our speeches [well mine anyway].I personally have had a blast.I hope that everyone will continue to do well in their selected fields.Oh yea to Gary and Perry [kinda rhymes doesn't it] where are we gonna eat Saturday.

P.S [SUMMER IS A COMMIN!!!!!!!]YEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Venting time...

I need to speak with someone professional..LOL
This is rather personal but it's "REAL LIFE" and I need to get it off my chest..
Whew,...okay...
I have been very upset lately( approx. 1 week and counting)...
My wife's cousin who moved here a few years ago with his four kids and wife are two GROWN MESSY(in terms in handling personal matters) individuals....to make a long story short....My wife and I have one of his kids because of some neglect/abuse issues in the home...Well the child's father(my wife's cousin) works out of town and his wife has three boys at the house(all which are older) in addition to the youngest(which isn't hers biologically) and the child(the youngest -with us now) reported that he has been mistreated and "beat up" by the other boys with no intervention from the adult....needless to say DFACS was contacted....
We don't usually see them often(they stay across town) however we never noticed anything out the ordinary..okay...here is what I am ticked off about....The cousin has a sister here in town(single, financially secure, lives alone) very successful real estate agent(name and face posted on billboards around Atlanta)..anyway...she refuses to take in HER NEPHEW(keep in mind she was the contact on the school records)...so the cousin calls the Wright's and BAM!!!...we have the child...Now the problem isn't the child..not at all it is not in my DNA or my wife's to leave a child out or watch someone be mistreated...our parents demonstrated this trait and thankfully it has passed on to me and also to my wife.....we have plenty of room at our home and it's not an inconvenience...not even a little bit..
..getting back to why I am so MAD...... my wife and I have to answer to a case worker, social worker, investigator, lawyer, all in reference to this matter..... i get MAD! because I feel we are being interrogated MORE than the person at FAULT..which are the sorry PARENTS!
i mean they have inspected& examined my house, income, job, refrigerator...yes I said refrigerator...they have drug tested me and my wife....EVERTHING!...I understand WHY it's necessary however I don't have to like it....and the more I think about her cousin and his wife the more I want to 'cause bodily harm' to them....mainly because of the treatment of a child , but some is because of the hoops we have to jump through because of the negligence on their part....
I need to speak with someone because my attitude is starting to show and it's showing at work...and I try to hide how I am feeling but it's hard....
His father is still away on business(seems to me a matter involving my child wouldn't keep me away from any place or anytime!, hum!!!)
In a matter of five days we have gone to court twice...and have another one this week.
I missed my Saturday class because of this matter...we had Social Workers, and Investigators from the Child Advocacy at our home all this week and weekend....
Thank goodness for a BLOG.....
...now how was that for a "spring break"...LOL..LOL....top that!

GOD WATCHES OVER BABIES AND FOOLS!

Back To Class

This has been a "GREAT" Spring Break " for me. I got some rest but also acquired a cold. I am dreading the students, later today. I am sure it will take time to get them back into the swing of things. Just counting the days down.

Back To Class

Back to work!

Today is the end of my spring break. It is Sunday evening April 23, 2008. All I can think about is going back to work tomorrow. The prior week had been a tough week. The students probably have spring fever. I would like to have a fruitful learning environment that will last until the end of the semester. I know if I will not strive for it, it will not be a pleasant conclusion to a good year. I guess it is time to buckle up and get ready for a bumpy ride. Hope everyone has a great finish on this year.

Spring Break

I hope those of you that have been out on spring break really enjoyed yourselves. I must say that I got plenty of rest. I did not have a thing to do except serve my son. Other than that, things were good. I dread going to work tomorrow. I am like Esther, counting down the days until school is out. I hope to see all of you on the 19.

I Will Be Missing You

Ladies and Gentleman,
The time has come and I must prepare myself to say good bye. It has been fun getting to know you guys and working with you during these several months. I will continue to blog to keep up with everyone. One more weekend and I am history.

Take care and may God bless
WH

Relaxation !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have loved this week. It has been relaxing and pleasant. Our family has just had fun at home working in the yard and enjoying the outdoors. My daughter and I had a girls day where we had our nails done and shopped. This has been an awesome break!! I can't wait until summer. 34 days of school to go!! OH Yeah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope everyone is finding a little bit of peace.

Spring Break

This has been a great spring break! I finally got to spend some quality time with my family. I have not been able to spend the time that I want to this year but I am definitely going to make up for it this summer. This will be the first summer that I have ever been able to not work and spend time with my kids. I cannot wait. They will be gone before I know it. I want to spend as much time as I can with them before they are gone. My oldest has one more year in high school then she is off to college. We went to visit Valdosta State over the break. It seems like a great school. My daughter wants to major in Biology and then become a dentist. Does anyone out there know about Valdosta State? It's second largest major is Biology. They seem to have a great program. I hope everyone has a great week. Six more weeks of school and then it is summer!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

20 points are waiting for you!

Please be sure to look in the side column of the blog. There are directions as to how you can earn 20 extra points in this class.

Lazy Bumb

Today I was just plain lazy. It's our Spring Break and every day so far I have had something I had to do. Today I just shut down. I didn't even get a shower til 5pm. For supper I am fixing Stouffer's Lasagne and a salad and Italian bread and iced tea. For dessert we're having Mrs. Smith's apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Sometimes it's just good to be a lazy bumb....

A Big Difference

I want to thank everyone for all the advice, support, hugs, tears, wisdom, and knowledge that has been shared this past year. It has made a HUGE difference in the way I teach, and more importantly, my students are getting more out of class now!!! A extra special thank you to Dr. Burns and Ms. Hayden for all their guidance, support, and knowledge. I have so much more confidence now as a teacher!! I have since decided that if I can do this, I can reach a HUGE dream of mine..to open up a free healthcare clinic. It's going to take some time, but utilizing many of the strategies learned in class, I'll be able to do it! It will be a major community outreach that I believe will bring us closer together. Of course, this is several years down the road. I'm just in the beginning stages of all the logistics.

I hope to keep in contact with you all even after NTI is over. This has been THE BEST class I have ever had to take!!

New Stuff/Old Stuff

It is a huge blessing to be able to "spew" each week without too much fear of criticism. As I am so new to this stuff, I am amazed at the wisdom I hear/see each week. Everyone in this class should be proud of themselves. We read of colleagues who have lost family, pets, etc. However, we don't really see "quitters". A few will always fall by the way-side, but we do not really have many of those in this group. As this is one of the last times we will "blog", at least in the current format, I want to say "thank you" to everyone for shared knowledge and wisdom.
joec

H.R. 4163 or HB1715

In the year 2000 I went to my Dentist for a cleaning followed up for a filling. When I realized that he was going to use the AMALGAM I refused to go through with the filling eventhough my insurance would have paid for it. His response was that he has been using amalgam for many years and boes not see nothing wrong with it.
In 2002 Georgia"s own Diane Watson and Indiana"s Dan Burton table H.R. 4163 to do away with amalgam.
Since 2007 murcury amalgam is totally ban. My doctor is no longer using mercury amalgam.

Why I changed my career to teaching?

Hello NTI Family,
First and foremost, I have many reasons why I decided to change my career to teaching but for the sake of time, I will only list a few. My desire to teach came out of the fact that I love children. I believe that they are sent from God and that our role is to encourage and nurture them. Being a mother of 2 girls, I have learned a lot about teaching and thought that it would be a good idea to enter the classroom. As a teacher I get to cultivate the minds of young people, watch them mature, and assist them with making important career choices. This is a GREAT task that I don't take lightly.

Secondly, I've been self-employed as a Video Producer for 18 years and have had numerous corporate jobs in between. I've realized through all of this, that my true calling is teaching. Teaching allows me to share my expertise in video production with students, as well as teach entrepreneurial skills necessary for their future.

Thirdly, I'm not the type of person who likes to take orders from someone and work a regular 9-5 with crazy demands. However, I think that teaching allows you to be your own boss in your classroom, given certain parameters of course, but ultimately your're in control. I think that because of my long term status of an entrepreneur, I have the organizational and multi-tasking skills necessary for teaching.

There are several other reasons why I changed careers. Medical benefits were becoming very expensive for my family as both my husband and I were self-employed. Also, I wanted to have hours that were conducive to my children's school schedule. This was vital because I am a dedicated mother who enjoys being home with her children after school and during the summer.

In the end, I know God has ordered my steps into teaching and will give me a GREAT job in a school that needs me. I feel very fortunate and prepared because of NTI. I've been encouraged by all of my knowledgable NTI classmates and wouldn't trade this opportunity for nothing. I don't have a contract currently, but am waiting patiently for one and plan to pursue my Masters degree this Fall. If anyone knows of any Business Ed openings, please let me know. :)

Thanks to Dr. B and Mrs. Hayden for a great year!

Benefits

A friend of mine had been working as a HSTE instructor for 8 years and continually asked me to come work with her. In my previous job, I was the Area Nurse Manager for 17 Federal Occupational Health Units ( FL,SC,NC,PR,MS,GA, TN). I travelled to the sites at least yearly and more often if new staff was hired. I worked as a contractor in this position and insurance coverage was an issue for the majority of the staff . It was also time for contract renewal, so I decided it was a good time to apply for the HSTE position. I was hired and the first year was AWFUL. It was as if I had been thrown in the lion's den. Things have begun to settle down and I do like teaching. As a nurse , teaching is a constant part of the position. With the teen-agers it is a "CHALLENGE" but I do enjoy seeing a difference in some of the students. The benefits and salary are not bad and I am looking forward to the summers off. I have signed my contract but the friend who encouraged me to take this position, is retiring at the end of this school term. Also, we are switching from Small Learning Communities to Small Schools , so I am not sure if we will continue to have a 2 nurse program. New principals will be hired for each new school. I just hope who ever is hired has an idea about how the program should work.

Did I sign my contract for next year?

Yes, I signed my contract for next year. I like teaching. I'm not sure I will continue to teach HSTE, but I know that I want to continue being a teacher. One day I wil teach Reading....

My present Job as a T&I teacher

This is my third Job as a teacher, I started out as an elementary teacher then I moved to the College and now I am in the high school. I love teaching in college, because MOST students at that level are there to learn a trade and that if they failed or waste a semester then it would cost them to retake that subject, unlike MOST of the students in High Schools are just there to get a grade or because their parents will not allow them to stay at home during the day. I have 7 students that are in 4 different colleges in Georgia (including one at GSU) they all came back saying they are sorry for not taking their high school classes more seriously. Although I love teaching at the college level I would not change my job of teaching these high school students. My greatest obsticle in techcing in the High school is co-teaching with someone that does not have the slightest idea of teaching, thinks he knows , and have no hopes of changing, because he is set in his own ways and think he knows all.
Why I left my last job which was with an airline," too much travelling". Sometimes you have to travel away from home for days to do a job and if the job is not finish you could fly back home but you will have to return to complete the job you have started. So I decide to change, and change is not change until you change and that is what I did.

Why I became a teacher

I have always wanted to be a teacher. I was one of those late bloomers. I was married and had 3 kids before I decided to go to nursing school. At the time I was a pharmacy tech at Emory University Hospital. One of the techs I worked with was an LPN in another state, and she was married to an RN who worked on one of the units at Emory. She decided to go back to school to get her RN in Georgia. I had been taking a few classes trying to decide what I needed to do when she asked me to go to nursing school with her. I had never thought about nursing. Pharmacy took too many years (plus all that chemistry!) and I thought I was too old (I was about 36 at the time) to go to school to be a teacher, so I decided to go to nursing school with her. I could get an associate degree in nursing in 2 yrs (it actually took 36 straight months of school because I had to keep working as a pharmacy tech full time to pay the bills) and work as an RN and one day go back to school to get my BSN (bachelor's in nursing).

My friend dropped out of school the first semester. But I hung in there. I liked healthcare and nursing came easy for me. I think after having 3 kids, you just learn about healthcare whether you want to or not. You have to learn how to do first aid, give meds, take care of ailments, etc., to survive raising kids. So I had real life experience and nursing school helped me to learn more about healthcare, to learn all the necessary skills, and to do it professionally.

As a nurse, I was always involved in education. I enjoyed working with the graduate nurses or new nurses to our hospital. I liked being a preceptor to them. I enjoyed working with student nurses when they came to the hospital for their clinicals. I taught CPR classes, I gave inservices on new equipment, I helped with any kind of classes or education of the staff that was needed. I was the educator for the IV Team. I was (an still am) a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator). For about the last 10-12 years I taught Diabetes Self-Management classes to newly diagnosed diabetes patients.

A position came open at a new high school in Henry County for a HSTE teacher. I applied and got the position. Now I was wondering if I had done the right thing. I knew I wanted to teach and that I enjoyed teaching, but was this the right thing? I had been in healthcare for a long, long time. My first year of teaching was extremely difficult. Teaching was the easy part. The hard part was dealing with the behavior and discipline issues. I did not have a clue about how to do that. All I could think about was if these were my own kids, I would beat their little butts. After that first year I did not renew my contract. I decide to be a school nurse for a while. At least I knew how to do nursing and the behavior and discipline issues would fall to the teachers and administrators. I would just take care of boo-boos and give the ADHD medications.

So, I was a school nurse for about 2 yrs. Then another HSTE position came open at a new school about 5 miles from my house. I missed teaching. And I knew if I took this position I would need to get my certification. (If I thought I was too old to go to school and be a teacher at age 36, what the heck was I thinking now when I was 136??) So I prayed and prayed about what to do. I submitted an application. Within about 10 days I had an interview and was hired. Like so many of you, I truly feel the Good Lord put me where I needed to be. After almost 30 years in healthcare (10 years as a pharmacy tech and 20 years as an RN), I am a teacher. In a few more weeks I will be a full-fledged certified, clear and renewable teacher. HOORAY!

I'm not sure that I will continue to be a HSTE teacher. What I really want to teach one day is Reading. So many of my students cannot read or write on a high school level. And most of these are the very same kids who have the behavior and discipline issues. What a difference being able to read would mean to these kids. And one day, when I get really old and decrepit (I'm almost there! Ha! Ha!), I would like to get involved with adult literacy. I think everyone should have the abilitly to read. Can you imagine a life without reading? Reading is the key to learning. If you can read, you can teach yourself just about anything you want to learn. So one day I will be a reading teacher.

Retirement

I had spent almost 30 years in one form of law enforcement - military police, deputy and Atlanta Police officer. I have always had a desire to teach. I actually went to one year of college after high school to study to become a high school history teacher. Of course, I hated college and ended up dropping out and joining the military.

When it became time to retire from law enforcement (and police officers know when its time to retire) a job opportunity teaching law enforcement became available at a high school just 8 miles from when my wife and I live. I applied and was hired. I love my job - of course instead of dealing with mainly adult delinquents and I am now dealing with mainly juvenile delinquents. However, I would not trade it for the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why I left my previous vocation

I really believe that life in general pushed me to make a change in my vocation. I have made a living for many years in sales and servicing of European automobiles. A few years back the Mercedes/BMW market had fallen to a SUV type market. Along with the change of car fashions and vehicles being sold with longer warranties evidently caused a lull in vehicle repairs. I thought long and hard about converting my shops over to NAPA Car Care Centers. The new world believed in the comfort of name recognition. Other shops that had converted were doing very well. Marketing was no longer customer satisfaction. Business had become a data driven profession. To compete now required years of study and boat loads of perception. I realized even with all my years of experience and certificates I was no longer going to succeed without education. I decided to sell the shops and try to finish a past failed attempt at a chemical engineering degree. When signing up for some courses, the college asked if I was interested in teaching automotive. I fell in love with teaching.

God is good! Why T & I?

Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be....

As a kid I had a love for making things out of whatever. I guess I get it from my Dad. He always told me, "Son, you come from a long line of improvisers". It's true. My Dads' father was an entrepreneur. He and my Grandmother survived the depression because of his great improvisational spirit, resiliency and determination. My Mothers' father was a lumberjack and farmer. Whenever something broke he fixed it. He was the fix-it man for all of the widows and handicapped people in his town. My father and mother carried on that same spirit and passed it on to me. A love for tinkering, shop in high school, a Masonry certificate from Tech school, 25 more years of awesome construction learning opportunities, caring friends and a submission to Gods' guidance have brought me here to a place so awesome I would never have imagined it in my own mind. This past year and a half has been an undeserved and blessed time for me. A teaching job and NTI. This summer I will move into a brand new house, virtually debt free, in the beautiful town of Pine Mountain (my new property borders the state park!). I almost forgot to mention that the principal of Harris County High School is sending his "recommendation to hire" to Harris County's personnel director. I've accepted the job to teach construction there, ten and a half miles from my house! God is good!

My wife and I have taught bible study classes from second graders on up to the college level. I've always loved working with kids. Just like Tracy, I can see how God has prepared me for this job. A while back a good friend of mine, who works for Muscogee county, told me about the opening at Carver and said I'd make a good teacher. I talked to my wife about it, quit my construction business and the rest is history! Harris County High School will be my place of retirement if they'll have me that long! Dr. B, your recommendation for me to take the job at Harris county was a real convincer. It meant a lot coming from you. Thank you for your advice. I'm so excited!

Career Change

Several years ago I was involved in a church outreach ministry in a bad part of town working with kids. I was surprised to find that I had a knack for it. Especially the kids who tended to have behavior problems that the other volunteers didn't like to work with. Also, I was involved in foreign missions in Romania and I had a house in the Republic of Panama that I wanted to spend more time at. Hard to believe I don't even attend church now.

I decided to go back to school to be a Social Studies teacher. I completed all the requirements except Student Teaching which would require me to take off work for three months. I was provisionally certified in Social Studies. So, being me, I sell all my tools, my truck, etc. move to Atlanta and then start looking for a job. Nobody was particularly impressed with my provisional Social Studies certificate.

The job I got was the only one offered me. It never dawned on me that I could be a T and I instructor until I got the job. My job has proven to be a good fit for me and I'm thankful to have it.

Tracy, A Teacher?

I am really glad that I became an HSTE teacher. Twenty years ago, if you would have told me that I would become a teacher, I would not have believed it. I knew that I loved Healthcare and I especially loved people but I would have never thought I would be doing this. As I look back, I feel that God has prepared me all along to be a HSTE teacher. I started off in high school experiencing Health Occupations at Riverdale High School. I loved my teacher, she was the greatest. I always looked up to her. I knew she cared for me, she helped me so much. I was in VICA and competed at state level and I also was Riverdale's Vocational student of the year. I went on to Dental Hygiene school at Clayton State ane then a couple of years later to Nursing School. I worked in both professions at the same time for many years. I also taught in our women's ministry at church and was a youth sponsor. I loved the teens. I also had an opportunity to lead women in bible study for Bible Study Fellowship. When God opened this opportunity to me I was hesitant at first and I prayed about it. One day I was reading a book about God's will and how to know if you are following his will. It said to look back over your life and write down all of the things that you have accomplished in your life. Looking back and realized everything that I have done so far has prepared me for this time in my life. I know now that every experience has prepared me to be this teacher that I have become. I also believe that God led me to NTI to help me to be successful. Dr. J and Jessie, I thank God for you both and I pray God will give you both many blessings. You both are the teachers that I aspire to be!!!!

Why I became a HSTE Teacher

Teaching has always been a passion of mine. It did not matter if it occurred at the bedside, in a classroom setting in the hospital education center or mentoring a new nurse. I loved it and found myself wanting to teach as a full time career rather than just every once in a while. A change was something I needed after working in the hospital setting for over 21 years, mostly in the Emergency Room. The stress of that high level of organized chaos can be incredible. No room for error, it can cost a life. To add to the stress are the long hours, no bathroom or dinner breaks and you get called daily to work. Imagine what that can do to a family. I tried teaching for a couple of semesters in a college setting, but it was not very pleasant. I thought if it was meant for me to teach, something would come up.
The first time I was asked about teaching in the high school level I just thought that I could not take the pay cut. Many times the HSTE position would come up. Then one day my husband said, "Maybe this is what the Lord wants you to do, quit ignoring it and apply" and so I did. I really enjoy teaching. The students bring me back everyday ready and eager. This first year has been stressful between being a first year teacher, going to NTI and making sure that I'm there for my family. BUT the stress is nothing in comparison to what it was when I was at the hospital.
I signed my contract without hesitation. I thought of my students and the look on their faces as they got excited about learning CPR or realizing the importance of hand washing. The look on my two state finalist face at HOSA competition was another priceless moment. Who would have thought that our first year we would have two state finalist. WOW! I was so proud of all the students who went and competed. (all 5)
There have been alot of good memories this first year. Most of all my family see a less stressed Mom and wife who is happier.

Needing some advice

Having never dealt with this before in this context, I need some advice. I just got off the phone with a friend who told me that one of my students died this morning. I have called and confirmed this with others so I know it's true. As far as the "legalities" and "appropriateness", do I go to the funeral? What will the school likely do (if anything)? I have lost family, friends, and patients. This is a first as I have never lost a student. Monday will definately be a different day when we return from spring break.

This student died as a result of a long-term heart condition.

Why I Became a T&I Teacher

I became a teacher for several different reasons. I worked at a job where the people were unprofessional, your opinion didn't count and there wasn't anymore promotional opportunities available to me at that time so I needed a change. Also, I enjoyed working with kids in some capacity. Before I moved to Georgia, I worked at the District Attorney's with a juvenile diversion program. When I moved here, before I went to work for the sheriff's department, my first job was a Direct Patient counselor at an adolescent psychiatric treatment facility. At my last job, before I was promoted, I was able to work as a case manger for SB440 kids(kids being tried as adults). So, as you can see, I have always worked in some capacity with kids. I think it was just natural to turn to teaching when it was time for me to move on. When I look back, I kind of think this was really my calling. After working with kids with all kinds of issues, I felt that maybe I could make a difference or a bigger impact on their lives in the school setting. There, they can actually see a young person in a positive setting, doing positive things (that positive person would be me).

With all of the negative things going on in our school system, the main reason I signed my contract was my students. I was really considering a move out of state. Most of the freshmen were my first students and at the end of last year, they wanted to make sure that I was coming back because they wanted me to see them through to graduation. I think that says a lot. Also, I want them to keep a positive attitude about the accreditation issue and to know that we do have some good schools, students and teachers and that they had nothing to do with this situation. I don't want to abandon them and every time I get upset with them or something that the school has done and I get those thoughts of leaving, something starts tugging at my heart and all the frustration goes away. I guess I just really love them.

Why I became a teacher

I was about the same way shane was.I worked from 7:30 in the morning until 6:30 or so everyday for about 14 years and always worked through lunch.The dealership that I worked at was 42 miles from my house and it was about an hours drive.Getting home between 7:30 or 8:00 every night tends to take a toll on a person.{even Jethro}.My wife is a teacher and suggested that if the automotive position came open again that I should apply.Well two years later it did,so with lots of prayers and determination here I am.I love my job and the time off.Now to the contract situation.Being in the automotive field and knowing the people that I do, sometimes very good paying Jobs come up.Well about two weeks ago I received a phone call and was offered the shop foreman job at a dealership less than twelve miles from home.I went and talked to them and all went well.Although I will probably sign my contract,things like this sure make life interesting.Speaking of time off. We're on spring break.Have a great week.

Something New

The reasons for leaving my last job after 15 years are too numerous to list. Here are a couple of them - 1. I was doing my boss' job 2 days a week. 2. 15 years-$24,000. 3. A perfect employment record- but was written up for leaving 2 minutes early...once. When this job became open, I was immediately interested. I had been in a classroom previously for 6 years, so I had some idea what I was in for.
I have already signed my contract because I love what I do. Having worked this "job" for 2 years, I really feel blessed to be where I am in my life. You either love this or you hate it. While it can be a hassle, it is still the best job I have ever had. Every construction guy who reads this will probably agree- it beats roofing in 100 degree heat!
joec

I will alway be a nurse.

When I run into my old friends at Grady Hospital from my old life as a nurse, they all make the same statement "So, you gave up being a nurse!" I say "NO, I will always be a nurse and to have this job you must be a nurse." I explain that if you want more time with your family or a different way to do nursing, then teaching health science to high schooler is another avenue for nurses to explore as career option.

Next, they ask me, WHY? Well, because I LOVE to teach, learn, promote nursing as career, and be with my daughter. I always thought about how I could promote nursing to new people. I thought that the best time to spark someone’s interest in nursing is while they are young. I always wanted to teach children, but I did not know how to go about doing it. I love science and history, but to teach those subjects I would have to go back to school. :(

A friend remembered that I wanted to teach in a school with my daughter and sent me information about teaching health science. I thought it was a sign from God and my calling to take the job. It was a calling, but sometimes I am not sure who was on the other end of the phone? :)

I think teaching in high school is a wonderful new life experience for me. It is a great opportunity to combine all the things I love in life. To top that off, I get to share my life with young students that I will be able to influence in the field of health care.

Since I have been co-teaching biology and physical science, I have learned a lot with and about my students. I have demonstrated to the students how learning is a life long process and at any age it is fun. I help them with their assignments and encourage them to do better. In class, I am able to give many students that extra attention they need that supports them to continue to learn. During our lab experiments, I show them how to problem solve by allowing them the time to ask and answer their own questions. I like asking them questions as if I don't know the answer and have them explain it to me. It is a joy to have them sound so confident and reassuring in their response to me. After building relationships with the students in my classes, they now come to me for an explanation of their assignments or ask my opinion about how they should complete an assignment.

All of the above is teaching in my new career, but it is also nursing like in my old career. Both I love and both I will always be.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist....

to figure out why I left my former career. Between working 10 hours a day for the last 10 years of a dealership, plus operating my race engine shop for 3-6 more hours every afternoon and weekend....I was a little burnt out. I made really great money, but knowing what I know now, money isnt everything. I needed a way out, but I had too much experience to simply throw it away by switching fields. My career now allows me to pass on my knowledge and be in the field I want to be in without the backaches.

I signed my contract because I love it! Hell, Ive got 27 more contracts to sign! Might better get used to it. I will have my job until I'm ran off.

Making the change to Education..

My story is simple...MY WIFE PAINTED THIS WONDERFUL PICTURE OF HAVING SUMMERS OFF!!!!......Honestly that was the initial reason that influenced me to teach..Now this is coming from someone(wife) who was in the classroom already...
...I am proud to say that is not the only reason I TEACH NOW!...I love what I do....My teaching abilities were discovered through coaching....I was told by many people...wife included that I had a way of showing 'CLARITY' when dealing with youth....My first teaching job was in Special Education and it really made me learn to convey(often times difficult information) to kids that usually struggle with basic directions. I feel in LOVE with seeing kids "GET IT!" and the watching the lightbulb go off...
I left the classroom to work with Mental Health consumers(Still with the Board Of Education) within a month of that job I was placed in charge of Life Skills, Job Developing, and Interviewing techniques....It required alot of classroom time and I realized I miss teaching...
Four years later a Criminal Justice position was created in the County and My wife looked at me and I looked at her..BAM.....here I am in NTI getting certified!..LOL
I did sign my contract because I want to continue this career and I can honestly say that this is the most "fulfilling" job I have ever done....I LOVE what I do...it gets hard and tedious at times, but I love the constant change and challenge......oh yeah the summers aren't that bad!!!!..HA!

Vocation to Teacher?

The reason I went into teaching is for several reason. I drove a special needs bus for 17 years and my boss told me that I would make a good teacher. At that same time I was policing full time. I had one outlook about juveniles (the butt system) You need to beat their#$$ and we would not have the problem we have today. Years later I left the road (policing) and went to work as a resource officer. One of my assist principal came to me and ask if I would be interested in teaching. This was weird when I had heard this sometime ago. I told her that I would think about it. I waited two years before I committed myself. I wondered to myself what do I have to offer the students? Maybe I could change the the butt system, or I could keep some kids from going to jail or prison. I did sign my contract.