Teaching with a Sense of Purpose

Since I began my career as a public school teacher fairly late in life, I feel that I have a pretty clear sense of purpose. I didn't really consider becoming a teacher in college. I was an undergraduate at Cornell and everyone around me was going on to become a doctor, lawyer or investment banker, so becoming something as mundane as a teacher didn't even enter my mind. I began working as a journalist and really enjoyed the work. I had hoped to freelance, but ended up busy with my own five children.

Once I had to make a decision about how to earn money  my family needed, I realized that I now had the maturity to tackle teaching. I had to go back to a local college for the necessary English and education classes (my undergraduate major had been Russian studies), so I had to spend serious time and money before I got a job as a teacher. I realize that my life experiences can really add a new dimension to the classroom.

As a parent of five children, I understand that educators play such a vital role in students' lives. They can influence positively and prepare young adults for the next step in life. Truly, there isn't another job I'd rather have right now.