I've received the same interrogation many times: "So, how do you like teaching at Faith?" My unspoken question back is always something like, "How much time do you have?"Where do I begin?
Teaching has been one of the most challenging, humbling, and rewarding endeavors I've ever encountered. I graduated Bryan College with a degree in biology. Without a day of student-teaching or a single class on education, I started teaching at Faith Christian School with two 8th grade math classes, an algebra student to tutor, a 6th grade English class and a 12th grade advanced biology class.
David has a heavy load as well - two 7th grade math classes, an algebra II class, a 10th grade chemistry class and an 8th grade physical science class. We also share 7th grade study hall at the end of the day, which is like, as David so eloquently put it, "trying to keep a room full of Jack Russell terriers sitting quietly."
The first few months were so overwhelming. We honestly had no idea what we were doing. Learning to maintain control over our classrooms was the first big obstacle, not to mention figuring out how the copying machine and gradebook work. We spent most our time outside of school writing lesson plans and grading papers as we tried to stay a day ahead of our students. David coached JV soccer, and I helped with the cross-country team, so we spent a good bit of time at practices and sporting events. On the weekends when we didn't have games and meets, we traveled to see AL to see my family, to TN to see college friends or to interview for medical school in VA. To make matters even crazier, the first two months of school at Faith we take the students to Camp Wilds for one week, and then the teachers spend a week at a teacher's conference at Myrtle Beach. It seemed like there was never enough consistency to get into a good routine.
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| FCS Cross-country team |
As a new teacher, I struggled most immensely with discipline and classroom management. Being a structure, serious person does not come naturally for me. Some of my seniors slept during my class, and it became a daily battle to deal with my gregarious 8th graders, most of whom are completely apathetic about school. But my 6th grade class was the hardest part of my day for the longest time. I am the lucky teacher that teaches their last subject of the day between lunch and PE. In the beginning, it seemed like every student always had their hand raised, and I never knew if it would be to tell a long, irrelevant story, go to the bathroom, or ask a legitimate question. Boys would get into fights; girls would tell on them. There were days I thought I was going to cry. Night after night, I shared my frustrations with David about how I felt like I couldn't manage their rowdiness enough to teach them well. I felt like a failure.
Now I am proud to say that the 6th grade classroom is where I feel the most at home. Over time, I have learned to be creative in order to make the classroom enjoyable to keep their interest. One parent helped me out by buying a Treasure Box full of candy for me to keep in the classroom. At the end of each class, if the students have behaved well enough to avoid getting their name on the board or a demerit, they get to pick out a piece of candy. They love it and are more motivated to behave well. 
One day, I gave every student a nickname, and I try to use those names when I call on them to answer questions. They loved it. The 6th grade class is a very special class, and I am going to miss them when I am gone. I think the funniest thing that the 6th graders do is wish me a happy birthday every singe day. I think I am now at least in my sixties. 
My 8th grade math class is difficult in that I feel like I have to throw out demerits to maintain any kind of sound learning environment. This saddens my heart because it prevents me from getting to know my students and letting them know how much I care about them. Middle school is a hard time, I know; I've been there. Your body goes through so many changes, and you are willing to do anything to be accepted by your peers. This class is no different. But I want more for them. I see more IN them than what they display. I am hoping to see a change in the way they treat one another this coming semester. It only takes one person to take a stand for what is right; I'm just waiting to see who is bold enough to lead by serving others more than themselves. For Christmas, David and I gave them all bags with their favorite candy and drink. We also included a note that urged them to love their classmates. We want them to know that we sincerely care for them and their futures. But most of all, we want them to know that God cares for them and wants what is best for their lives.
Teaching advanced biology has certainly been where I am most in my element. I want to be a medical provider, after all. The human body is so fascinating to me, and I love explaining the complexity of its design to my students in a way that I hope will make them in awe of our Creator God. I try to have review study sessions at our apartment before each test so that I can spend some extra time with the seniors outside of class. I have really enjoyed coaching three of them in cross-country. I am praying for them as they seek God's will for their futures. David and I are very excited about chaperoning the senior mission trip to the Dominican Republic during spring break in March. It will be a great opportunity to get to know them even more and to watch God work in their lives.
So overall, I can honestly say I am thankful to have a teaching job this year. This year has been a year of adjusting to marriage, life outside of college, and learning what it means to be an adult. It's been hilarious to come home some days so depressed about all my inadequacies as a teacher and then for David and me to remind each other that...we are not trained school teachers!! And that God doesn't expect us to do things perfectly this year. That is very refreshing because I come no where close. A special thanks to the students at Faith Christian for letting me join their educational journey this year!
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