Teacher Table Talk: God, Why Did You Open This Door?

Have you ever had one of those moments when you pulled your car ever so slowly into the parking lot outside of your job, and as soon as you parked, you sat for a while and either thought about calling out sick or straight up wanted to pull off right after you arrived? Well, that was me around this time last year. Almost regularly.

I was working as an academic advisor and a communications specialist and while I was making an okay living, had great health benefits, worked with some cool colleagues, and was able to afford my essential needs and some wants, I felt broken, discontented, and discouraged inside. I dreaded going to work every day. And I was mentally and physically drained from the hostile work environment I was in. I also grew weary from working on new job applications and interviewing for different positions I wasn’t getting. It seemed like things were never going to change. Plus, with a global pandemic added to the mix, things only got worse before they got better. So, I endured and kept working, praying, and applying and interviewing for new jobs. And nothing was opening up.

At one point, I thought about bagging groceries at Food Lion. For real. It would have been a major change of scenery, and I’m certain I would have taken an enormous pay cut, but at the time, it was a move and sacrifice I was willing to make. I could wear a mask – hide my real facial expressions, help customers bag their groceries, and do it all in peace. I knew my days were numbered where I was, so I thought I can always work somewhere like Food Lion. I know that sounds like an odd option for an English major, but my mind went there. And then the unexpected happened.

I was contacted and interviewed for a teaching position I’d applied for mid-summer, and it wasn’t a position I thought I had a full chance at getting. Deep down, I knew I was reaching, but I also knew it was time for some changes. After I got through the final round of interviews, I was offered the position and accepted it. Then I found myself wondering, God, why did you open this door? I’m excited and thankful, but why this one? There have been some people who let me know how unqualified they think I am. I’ve heard the snippy and condescending comments about things like my lack of teaching experience, my age, and my race, but even with the noise, I’m working hard and walking by faith. God’s still revealing the why of it all to me, and I’m listening, learning, and paying attention. Each week is different and has its challenges and rewards, but I’m enjoying the work I get to do, and I desire to continue growing and succeeding in my role.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves