E-Mail
Print
tool name
closeClass: Second grade
Experience: 12 years
Background: This week’s featured educator is an Alabama native, from Carrollton, Ala., where she graduated from Pickens County Training School. She was a teacher’s assistant at the school, then joined the U.S. Air Force. She was on active duty for five years, during which time she met and married her husband. She retired to start a family, then joined the Air Force Reserves and retired from the reserves in 2002. She attended college off and on during her enlistment, earned an associate’s degree from Macon State College and, 28 years after graduating from high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Valley State University. During that time she also worked as a civil servant and a dental assistant/hygienist. She has taught in Houston County for 12 years.
Why teaching? “I chose teaching because I am passionate about learning. I love children and love working with them. I feel a responsibility to give back and provide help and assistance in the development of children to ensure a better tomorrow.”
Best part of being a teacher: “The best part of being a teacher is watching a child grow academically and seeing the light of understanding come on, especially after a struggle. I love being caught up in their enthusiasm.”
Most challenging part of being a teacher: “For me, the most challenging part of being a teacher is time. I feel I never have enough of it with my students.”
If not teaching, what? “There is no other work I’d rather do. In one capacity or another, I have been a teacher all of my life.”
Advice to students: “My advice to students is to stay in school and enjoy the journey. It will pay off, I promise.”
Advice to parents: “My advice to parents is to put your arms around your children and support them, encourage them, and be there alongside them every step of the way. Be patient.”
Home life: “I have been married 38 years to my husband, Dwight C. James, who is retired from the Air Force. Our children are Michael C. James, a Warner Robins High School and University of Georgia graduate who lives in Virginia and works for the Department of Homeland Security; and Erik B. James, also a Warner Robins High School graduate. He earned a degree at Life University in Marietta, and he lives in Atlanta where he works as a manager at Abercrombie & Fitch. I attend the First United Pentecostal Church of Warner Robins, where I am the director of education and teach Children’s Church for those 3 to 11 years old.”
— Jake Jacobs
@Nyx.CommentBody@